Argentine painter Carlos Alonso dies at 97 in Córdoba
Artist transformed political violence and the pain of his daughter’s disappearance into powerful and enduring images. Leer más
Argentine painter Carlos Alonso, known for his powerful depictions of suffering and political turmoil, passed away at the age of 97 in Córdoba. Born on February 4, 1929, in Tunuyán, Mendoza, Alonso honed his craft at the University of Cuyo's Academy of Fine Arts before moving to Tucumán, where he connected with influential painter Lino Enea Spilimbergo. His artistic journey took him to Europe, where he encountered the works of masters like Diego Velázquez and Vincent van Gogh, which continued to inspire his later pieces.
Alonso's art, deeply influenced by political repression and the disappearance of his daughter during Argentina's military dictatorship (1976-1983), frequently featured stark images of the human body and themes of poverty, inequality, and violence. His Lección de anatomía series and Manos anónimas series explored these heavy subjects, earning international recognition and accolades, including the Konex Platinum Awards in 1982 and 1992.
Throughout his career, Alonso's work was exhibited in prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Venice Biennale, and was featured in galleries across Europe and Latin America. His art remains an integral part of Argentina's cultural heritage, held in the collections of major institutions such as the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Museo Carlos Alonso-Mansión Stoppel in Mendoza.
In his later years, Alonso broadened his focus beyond political themes, creating works that celebrated the landscapes of his beloved Córdoba. His final exhibition in Unquillo paid homage to the relationship between art and memory, leaving a lasting impact on the world of art.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
