Oswaldo Guayasamín

Oswaldo Guayasamín (1919 - 1999) was a very influential artist from Ecuador. His body of work consists of pieces that speak to the social and political injustices the artist perceived in the world around him. The United Nations awarded him a prize for an "entire life of work for peace." Guayasamín was heavily influenced by the Cuban Revolution and was a huge supporter of Fidel Castro. When Guayasamín died in 1999, much of Ecuador's work force went on strike and held vigils for the man who spent his life supporting the indigenous peoples of the country.

I am strongly impacted by his work, I find it to be wholly unique the cohesiveness is impressive to me. It is fascinating to sort through his work and follow his progression... I also find it interesting that he never really strayed from his decided subject matter, you don't really get that with other artists very often. I am also really stricken with the way in which he paints hands. Hands appear time and time again in his works, and they are incredibly expressive.

I find the fact that he dedicated his entire career to those who needed him to be worth mentioning, and he is still regarded as a national hero in Ecuador, as well he should be.