Launched in 2005, ARTBO (The International Art Fair of Bogota) is the leading art fair for the art market in Latin America. This year’s fair boasted 84 galleries from around the world, roughly 20 percent of which were Colombian. Many international galleries from North America and Europe lined the long exhibition hall, presenting emerging and mid-career artists at a variety of price points.
In addition to traditional galleries, there was also ArteCámara, a booth dedicated to young unrepresented artists under 40, SITIO, a space dedicated to ambitious experimental art, and site specific works around the city by local Columbian artists.
The overall aesthetic of the works on view was monochromatic, earth tones, and minimal color. The Colombian sensibility is a little gothic, so the muted works appealed to their target audience – though this allowed colorful works like Caroline Achaintre at Arcade (London) and the Carmen Araujo Arte booth to really stand-out.
Modernist and formalist-styles prevailed, with political artworks primarily relating to national and Latin American issues, like population density, violence and class struggles. Media varied widely, though there was more contemporary textile-based works than other fairs, like cut up oriental rugs and María Fernanda Plata’s deconstructed poly-fiber works. Overall the fair showcased a lot of exciting new talent, so check out a few of the highlights below.
Caroline Achaintre, Arcade (UK)
Jimena Croceri, Slyzmud (Argentina)
Irina Kirchuk, Selected for SITIO, presented by Slyzmud (Argentina)
Luz Lizarazo, Selected for SITIO, presented by Galeria Eduardo Fernandes
Ivan Argote, Vemelho (Argentina)
