Thierry Defert, French artist known as Loro Coirón, dies at 78

Thierry Defert, the French engraver and draftsman known by his artistic name ‘Loro Coirón’, has passed away at the age of 78 in Valparaíso, Chile. Born in Paris in 1948 and having spent part of his youth in Dakar, Senegal, Defert was a prominent figure in the local art scene, dedicated to capturing the essence of the port city.

After studying at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and holding various graphic design and teaching positions in France, Defert relocated to Chile in the 1990s. He eventually settled in Cerro Cordillera, where he established a workshop to focus on linocut and woodcut engraving.

His work extensively depicted the hills, streets, traditional trades, and daily life of Valparaíso. The Municipality of Valparaíso recognized his significant cultural contribution, noting that his art immortalized the city's identity. His legacy continues through his numerous engravings, drawings, and murals displayed in local neighborhoods and international galleries.