The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Claudio Bravo Camus: Who was the hyperrealist painter and why is he being remembered?
Artist is being celebrated thanks to a Google Doodle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Claudio Bravo Camus, the Chilean-born painter who made history with his hyperrealist paintings, is being remembered on what would have been his 83rd birthday.
The artist is being celebrated this Friday, 8 November in a Google Doodle inspired by his remarkable renderings of packages wrapped in paper and twine.
Born Claudio Nelson Bravo Camus in Valparaíso, Chile on 8 November, 1936, Bravo received some training with Miguel Venegas Cifuentes, another Chilean artist, but remained largely self-taught, according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
He held his first exhibition at the age of 17 in Valparaíso before moving to Spain.
There, he established himself as a portrait painter. Among his clients were relatives of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.
In 1970, Bravo had his first New York City show, where he demonstrated his skills for still lifes inspired by Spanish masters such as Diego Velázquez.
Shortly afterward, the artist moved to Tangier, Morocco, where he painted portraits, still lifes, landscapes and animals.
Among Bravo’s best-known works are his still lifes of packages, which feature intricate renderings of crumpled paper. One of those works, titled White Package and dating back to 1967, sold for more than $1m in 2004.
A 1994 exhibition at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Chile attracted more than 280,000 visitors, ensuring Bravo’s notoriety in his native country.
Bravo died on 4 June 2011 in Taroudant, Morocco, of complications from epilepsy.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments