Antonio Caro, Colombian Conceptual Artist Known for Coca-Cola Typography, Dies at 71
In 2021, the influential Colombian conceptual artist Antonio Caro passed away. Born in 1950, he first drew attention at Universidad Nacional when he showcased Lleras’ Head (1970), a salt sculpture of the Colombian president that he subsequently destroyed with water. Caro's artistic approach frequently incorporated repetition and commercial branding, as seen in Colombia-Coca Cola (1977), where he creatively spelled 'Colombia' using Coca-Cola's font. He also reinterpreted Marlboro and Chicklets logos to highlight indigenous uses of achiote. Emphasizing concepts over technical skill, he revisited notable phrases such as Mao's 'imperialism is a paper tiger.' His works were extensively displayed, including at Tate Modern, Queens, MIT, and Museo de Arte Moderno de Caracas.
Key facts
- Antonio Caro died in 2021 at age 71.
- He was a Colombian conceptual artist known for works like Colombia-Coca Cola (1977).
- Caro destroyed his salt bust Lleras’ Head (1970) at its exhibition opening.
- He studied at Universidad Nacional and participated in the XXI Salón Nacional de Artistas.
- His work critiqued U.S.-Colombia relations, cultural imperialism, and economic issues.
- Caro used commercial logos from Coca-Cola, Marlboro, and Chicklets in his art.
- He had solo exhibitions at Museo de Arte Moderno, Bogotá in 1982 and a retrospective in 2002.
- His art is in collections including Tate Modern, Queens, MIT, and Museo de Arte Moderno de Caracas.
Entities
Artists
- Antonio Caro
- Eduardo Serrano
Institutions
- Universidad Nacional
- XXI Salón Nacional de Artistas
- Galería Belarca
- Museo de Arte Moderno, Bogotá
- Museo de La Ciudad, Quito
- Museo de Arte Moderno La Tertulia, Cali
- Tate Modern
- Queens
- MIT
- Museo de Arte Moderno de Caracas
Locations
- Bogotá
- Colombia
- Quito
- Ecuador
- Cali
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York
- United States
- Cambridge, MA
- Caracas
- Venezuela