Leonet Matiz Espinoza

Place: Aracataca

Born: 1917

Death: 1998

Biography:

Leonet Matiz Espinoza was a Colombian photographer, caricaturist, newspaper publisher, painter, and gallery owner. He was born on April 1, 1917, in the small village of Aracataca in the Magdalena Department of Colombia to father Tulio Matiz and mother Eva Matiz.

Early Life and Career

Matiz traveled widely and sold caricatures and illustrations to earn a living. In 1951, his gallery hosted the first exhibition of Colombian artist Fernando Botero with a showing of his paintings at the Bogotá gallery. Matiz was known for his sense of style, including a thick slightly long hair, colored jackets, and gangster-style mustache. He had a robust laugh and carried his caricatures and drawings in a folder.

Influences and Photography

He photographed Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Esther Williams, Janice Logan, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and many other notable figures. Matiz was influenced by Mexican cinema, geography, architecture, history, muralism, and history as well as the artists Gustave Doré, George Grozt, Nadar, and Guadalupe Posada. He was a photographer for Asi, Life, Reader's Digest, Harper Magazine, Look, and Norte.

Exhibitions and Legacy

Some of his notable exhibitions include:

• Leo Matiz, Gazing at the Infinite at the Colombian National Museum in Bogotá (April 4, 2013 – May 19, 2013)
• Retrospective. Rare photographs from the Estate of Leo Matiz curated by James Cavello at the WESTWOOD GALLERY NYC

Matiz died in Bogotá, Colombia, on October 24, 1998. The Foundation Leo Matiz was established to preserve his legacy. For more information about Leonet Matiz Espinoza and his work, you can visit the Fernando Botero. You can also learn more about his photography and art at Frida Kahlo.

Some of his notable works and artists he photographed

You can find some of his notable works and the artists he photographed on Diego Rivera, including Paul Cezanne, Edvard Munch, and many others. His photography is a testament to his skill and creativity, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Leonet Matiz Espinoza was a talented artist and photographer who left a lasting impact on the world of art. His work can be found in various museums and galleries, including the National Art Gallery (Caracas), and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and photographers.