Carlos Páez Vilaró Biography

Carlos Paez Vilaro was a multifaceted artist. He was a painter, potter, sculptor, muralist, writer, composer and constructor. Native to Uruguay, his artistic pursuits took him to Argentina, Brazil, Africa and Europe on cultural journeys that permeated his creations. He explored various mediums to create his remarkable work, as an abstract painter, sculptor, muralist and architect. A white man himself, he was fascinated by the black Uruguayan heritage. He achieved fame early in his career; his artistic vision was boundless and also found expression in music and film-making. As a successful muralist and sculptor, he was commissioned by governments, private companies, and individuals to create original murals and artistic expressions. His particular interest in Afro-Uruguayan culture inspired many of his murals, his compositions in music, and his celebration of Afro-Uruguayan ’Candombe’ music and dance. He lived and worked a life of art which is imprinted upon the architecture he designed, often reminiscent of the style of Anton Gaudi and Dali. Passionate, dedicated, and tireless, Vilaro continued to create almost until the day he died at a ripe old age