“First I am a Colombian, then I am a South American, then I am an American. Then I should be a citizen of the world because I can communicate as a person who was born in an underdeveloped country like Colombia, which is a wonderful country – and I can represent a subject that covers the whole world.”

Ana Mercedes Hoyos (b. 1942 Bogotá, Colombia - d. 2014 Bogotá, Colombia) is regarded as one of the most tenacious and original painters of the 20th century in Latin America. She is celebrated for her vibrant figurative art, influenced by Latin American culture and folklore. Educated in Colombia and the United States, she traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from her experiences in Europe. Her colorful paintings, characterized by strong lines and expressive forms, often depicted human figures, animals, and landscapes. Hoyos aimed to break stereotypes of Latin American art, blending tradition with innovation to create powerful and culturally rich artworks. 

 

Ana Mercedes Hoyos' painting is compelling in its pictorial and aesthetic arguments, effectively translating the essence of her experiences and surroundings into a visual language that invites the viewer into her unique perspective.