Nelson Garrido, Venezuelan Photographer of the "Aesthetics of the Ugly," Dies at 73
Nelson Garrido, a Venezuelan photographer celebrated for his artistic exploration of freedom, passed away on August 20, 2026, shortly before turning 74, as reported by his daughter, Gala Garrido. He was born in Caracas on August 24, 1952, and grew up under the guidance of his father, an Army General and painter. At the age of 14, Garrido collaborated with Carlos Cruz-Diez in Paris and met poet Nicanor Parra in Chile at 16. He later moved to a Caracas slum, worked alongside César Rengifo, and created sets for José Ignacio Cabrujas and Román Chalbaud. His notable works, such as "La nave de los locos" (1999) and the provocative "La crucifixión del cochino levitando" (1993), examined power and religious themes.
Key facts
- Nelson Garrido died on August 20, 2026, days before his 74th birthday.
- His death was confirmed by his daughter, Gala Garrido.
- Garrido was born in Caracas on August 24, 1952.
- He worked for kinetic art pioneer Carlos Cruz-Diez in Paris at age 14.
- At 16 in Chile he photographed poet Nicanor Parra, producing his first published photographs.
- He staged theater with worker communities for César Rengifo and designed sets for José Ignacio Cabrujas plays and Román Chalbaud films.
- His 1993 photograph "La crucifixión del cochino levitando" sparked outrage in Venezuela and led priests to declare him persona non grata.
- His photo series La nave de los locos (1999) allegorized a nation adrift using a local fishing community aboard a vessel.
Entities
Artists
- Nelson Garrido
- Gala Garrido
- Carlos Cruz-Diez
- Nicanor Parra
- César Rengifo
- José Ignacio Cabrujas
- Román Chalbaud
- Hieronymus Bosch
- Francisco Goya
- Vladimir Marcano
Institutions
- Fundación Nelson Garrido
- Hyperallergic
Locations
- Caracas
- Venezuela
- France
- Italy
- Chile
- Paris