Biography
Sergio Trujillo Magnenat was an exceptional Colombian artist, renowned for his versatility as a painter, sculptor, illustrator, ceramist, photographer, and designer. Born in Manzanares, Caldas, to a Swiss mother and a Colombian father, his artistic identity was enriched by a dual cultural influence. His training began at the Bogotá School of Fine Arts, where he studied under masters such as Francisco Antonio Cano and Gustavo Arcila Uribe. His work is marked by a constant search for modernity, drawing inspiration from European movements such as Art Deco and Bauhaus, while incorporating elements of pre-Columbian art and social realism .
In the 1930s, Trujillo Magnenat distinguished himself with his illustrations for the daily newspaper El Tiempo and the magazine Mundo al Día, as well as for publications such as Rin Rin and Revista de las Indias. He was also the author of several illustrated books, including El Romancero del Virrey Solís and Toi y moi, the latter being a striking example of his Art Deco style, which combined calligraphy, illustration, and decoration. His graphic works, notably the posters for the first Bolivarian Games in 1938, demonstrate his innovative approach to design , characterized by stylized figures and dynamic abstraction.
His commitment to the applied arts is evident in the creation of murals in public spaces and schools, as well as the design of furniture, ceramics, and toys. He held key positions, such as director of the Department of Decorative Arts at the School of Fine Arts in Bogotá and director of publications at the Ministry of National Education. His career is marked by distinctions, including a gold medal at the 2nd Annual Salon of Colombian Artists for his portrait of his wife, Sara Dávila Ortiz.
Trujillo Magnenat's work is celebrated for its precision, clarity, and ability to blend tradition and modernity. He is considered one of the pioneers of graphic design in Colombia, having contributed to the emergence of a modern national aesthetic. His most comprehensive retrospective was presented in 1994 at the Museum of Modern Art in Bogotá, highlighting the importance of his artistic legacy.
Sergio Trujillo Magnenat died on December 8, 1999, in Bogotá, leaving a lasting legacy in the Colombian and Latin American artistic landscape.
Nationality