Alejandro Obregón is recognized as one of Colombia’s most influential artists and a reference in modern Latin American art. His work, characterized by a free and expressive style, has marked a milestone in the history of art in Latin America.
Biography of Alejandro Obregón: The Beginning of an Icon
Born on June 4, 1920 in Barcelona, Spain, Alejandro Obregón spent his childhood in Barranquilla, Colombia, his father’s country of origin. His connection to the Caribbean and its culture inspired him deeply.
Obregón, after studying art in Boston, settled in Bogotá, where he quickly became part of the circle of artists and critics who promoted the modernization of Colombian art. His work was recognized at the Salón Nacional de Artistas, where he won several awards that consolidated his reputation.
Alejandro Obregón: Exhibitions and Awards
Alejandro Obregón’s exhibitions have traveled the world, presenting his art in cities such as Bogotá, Paris, New York and London. In 1956, he participated in the Venice Biennale, one of the first times a Colombian artist was recognized at this prestigious event. His work has been exhibited in important museums, such as the Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá and the Museo Nacional de Colombia.
Each exhibition of Alejandro Obregón has been an opportunity to discover his evolution as an artist. From his early works in oil to his consolidation in abstract expressionism, Obregón showed an impressive capacity to reinvent himself. His legacy continues to be celebrated in retrospective exhibitions that recall his impact on Latin American art.
The Duque Arango Gallery organized the traveling exhibition Obregón: Four Elements, which was presented for the first time in Medellín in 2020, and later moved to Bogotá in 2024 and finally, in the same year, to Barranquilla, the city where Alejandro Obregón grew up.
What technique did Alejandro Obregón use?
One of Obregón’s most fascinating aspects is his mastery of diverse techniques. From the use of oils, early in his career, to acrylics, his energetic brushstrokes and vivid color palette characterize his work. Among Alejandro Obregón’s artistic techniques, his ability to combine elements of nature, such as wind and water, with abstract forms and mythical animals stands out.
Obregón was also an innovator in the use of relief and texture in his canvases. This approach, along with his sensitivity to color, turns his works into intense visual experiences, in which every brushstroke and every detail has a profound meaning, making the viewer pause to properly appreciate his works.
The Paintings of Alejandro Obregón: A Caribbean Journey
Among Alejandro Obregón’s paintings, some of the best known are those that reflect his love for the Caribbean and his fascination with nature. In works such as “El Condor” and “Violencia”, Obregón captures the majesty of Colombian landscapes and combines them with social and political themes.
His paintings are characterized by the presence of birds, especially condors that symbolize freedom and strength. He also explored themes such as the changing seasons and the flow of rivers, using a technique that stands out for its movement and dynamism. Each of Obregón’s works is a window to the Caribbean, with its intense blue, red and yellow colors, evoking the sun and the sea.
Alejandro Obregón: Works of Art that Transcend Time
Alejandro Obregón’s artworks are timeless and continue to be appreciated by new generations. His ability to express emotions through color and symbolism has inspired many contemporary artists.
Obregón’s legacy lives on in public and private collections around the world. His paintings and techniques continue to be studied and admired, consolidating him as a pillar of Colombian and Latin American art.
Alejandro Obregón: Eternal in Colombian Art
Obregón not only changed the artistic landscape of his time, but his influence extends to this day. His art is a reflection of his indomitable spirit and passion for experimentation. With an artistic vision ahead of his time, Obregón left a legacy that continues to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.
