Carlos Alonso, prominent Argentine artist, dies at 97

Argentine painter, draftsman, and engraver Carlos Alonso has died at the age of 97 in Unquillo, Córdoba. A central figure of 20th-century Argentine art, Alonso was known for his expressionist style and his commitment to social and political memory.

His work was profoundly shaped by the country’s history, particularly the military dictatorship of 1976-1983. During this period, Alonso lived in exile in Italy and Spain. His personal life was also marked by the disappearance of his daughter, Paloma, in 1977, a tragedy that became a recurring theme in his art, which often explored the relationship between the human body, violence, and power.

Alonso’s extensive career included illustrating literary classics such as Don Quixote, The Divine Comedy, and Martín Fierro. He received numerous honors, including two Konex de Platino awards and the National Award for Artistic Trajectory in 2018. His works are held in major collections, including the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires.