Vibrant, extravagant, and larger than life — this is how you would describe the art scene in Colombia. It is a melting pot of Native Caribbean cultures and European influences that work in perfect harmony with each other. Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is truly a street art hub. From graffiti to public installation art, this city is a must-visit for any art lover who wants to immerse themselves in the world of Latin American art. Public sculptures can be found all over Bogota: they make up a significant part of the city’s landscape and vary in style and materials. Let’s look together at what makes Colombian public art so exciting.
Where can you find Colombian public art?
Bogota will wow you with its beautiful parks and squares. It is not only about nature but also about public art installations and sculptures. El Virrey is one of the biggest natural parks in the city, which became home to abstract sculptures by the internationally acclaimed artist Edgar Negret. Negret was known for his geometric metal pieces and went down in history as one of the greatest Colombian artists. He also founded an art gallery in Bogota in 2000. His constructivist sculptures can be spotted in El Virrey Park.
Of course, we cannot talk about public art in Colombia without mentioning the city of Medellin and Botero Plaza, an outdoor sculpture park dedicated to the work of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. He is a figurative artist famous for his distinct style. Botero often uses his art to criticize and satirize current political events. His pieces are hard to miss — not only are they big, but they also have a very unique look. You would immediately recognize a Botero sculpture by its proportions: all his characters are plump and round. They are scattered all over the park, so make sure to make a day out of it if you ever visit Medellin.
What is it with all those horses?
There are many horse sculptures in Colombia, and there is a reason for that. The country is famous for a breed of horse called Paso Fino, which was bred right here in Colombia. Art dedicated to these animals can be found in different mediums and represents Colombian pride.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the outdoor art of Colombia. It is a country that expressively celebrates its culture and fiercely protects its heritage. There is more to the art world than just classical European pieces, and we encourage you to seek beauty around the world.