Edgar Tafur, Latin American Abstract Geometric Chrome Bronze Architectural Sculpture E. Tafur

Edgar Tafur (Colombian, 1929 – 2007)
Chrome Over Bronze Sculpture
Undated, signed on side near bottom, abstract sculpture
Dimensions: Height: 12 3/4 inches, Width: 4 inches, Depth: 3 3/4 inches

Mod Space Age Chrome over Bronze Abstract Architectural Totem Cast Sculpture

Edgar Alonso Tafur, Latin American artist born and raised in Cali. Colombia, was first trained as an architect at the University of the Andes, but shortly thereafter switched his focus to sculpture. It is this work which brought Tafur to the United States, first to study at the University of Florida and then to Oklahoma where he was featured in a solo exhibition at the Oklahoma Art Center in 1966. Alluding his architectural roots, Tafurs sculptures possess a marked structural form, drawing on themes of positive and negative space. In addition to his work as a sculptor, Tafur was well known for his modernist concept designs, consisting of fountains and architectural murals commissioned by fellow architects. “Each of his works is an understatement of the principles of architecture, which is itself sculptural. Tafur’s sensitivity towards the play of light and shadow on the surfaces, his relationship of positive and negative spaces, and his fluid play of rhythms all lend themselves dramatically to an exciting visual statement. His simplicity and modernism evokes the opinion of the renowned architect, Mies Van der Rohe: ‘less is more.’” Patric Shannon, Director, Oklahoma Art Center
While some of his work has a brutalist quality to it it is generally more abstract geometric, masculine with polished chrome surfaces, enamel and some with great, strong colors. This has an abstract flora, cactus like shape to it. He is from the generation of Colombian artists who rose to prominence in the mid 20th century which included Fernando Botero, Doris Salcedo, Oscar Murillo, Antonio Caro, Johanna Calle and Debora Arango. Edgar Tafur Latin American, Colombian born architect and sculptor, is best known for his public installations of monumental size in both steel and bronze.
He also worked in enamel and stainless steel and polychromed copper. Museum of Contemporary Art in Bogota, Colombia has a piece of his work.