Oswaldo Guayasamín Calero

Place: Quito

Born: 1919

Death: 1999

Biography:

Oswaldo Guayasamín Calero, an Ecuadorian painter and sculptor of Kichwa and Mestizo heritage, was born on July 6, 1919, in Quito, Ecuador. He is considered one of the most important artists in Latin America, known for his powerful and emotive works that addressed themes of social justice, oppression, and human suffering.

Early Life and Career

Guayasamín's early life was marked by poverty and hardship. His father worked as a carpenter, and he was the eldest of ten children. Despite these challenges, Guayasamín showed an early talent for art, and he began selling his work before he could even read. He graduated from the School of Fine Arts in Quito as a painter and sculptor, and also studied architecture. His first exhibition was held in 1942, when he was just 23 years old. Oswaldo Guayasamín started painting from a young age, and his work was influenced by the social and economic conditions of his time. He was particularly drawn to the plight of the indigenous people and the working class, and his art often reflected their struggles and injustices. Los Niños Muertos, one of his most famous paintings, was inspired by the death of his best friend during a demonstration in Quito.

Awards and Recognition

Guayasamín's work was widely recognized and acclaimed. He won the first prize at the Ecuadorian Salón Nacional de Acuarelistas y Dibujantes in 1948, and the first prize at the Third Hispano-American Biennial of Art in Barcelona in 1955. In 1957, he was named the best South American painter at the Fourth Biennial of São Paulo. Some of his notable works include:

• Manos de protesta, a powerful symbol of resistance and defiance
• El Silencio, a painting that marks a shift in Guayasamín's work from storytelling to focusing on his subjects symbolizing all human suffering
• Los Niños Muertos, a poignant tribute to the victims of social injustice

Guayasamín's work can be found in several museums, including the Museo de Arte Sacra de São Paulo and the Astrakhan State Picture Gallery. His art is also featured on Wikioo.org, where you can find a collection of his paintings and sculptures.

Legacy

Guayasamín's legacy is one of **social justice** and **human rights**. His art continues to inspire and educate people about the importance of standing up against oppression and fighting for equality. He was given a prize for "an entire life of work for peace" by UNESCO, and his death on March 10, 1999, was considered a great loss to Ecuador and the world. Guayasamín's life and work are a testament to the power of art to **transform** and **inspire**. His paintings and sculptures continue to be celebrated and admired, and his legacy will live on through the Capilla del Hombre, a museum dedicated to his work in Quito, Ecuador. For more information about Oswaldo Guayasamín Calero, you can visit his page on Wikioo.org or check out his biography on Wikipedia.