Botanical Art Worldwide 2025
Colombia

Colombia: plants, flavors and traditions
(Colombia: plantas, sabores y saberes)

Colombia: plants, flavors and traditions
(Colombia: plantas, sabores y saberes)

Above: Ceroxylon quindiuense, watercolor - graphite, ©Angélica Zambrano Cerpa


about

As stated by the Institute of Environmental Studies (IDEAM in spanish) Colombia ranks among the countries with the highest biodiversity on the planet. Over recent decades, significant efforts have been dedicated to updating and studying the inventory of the rich biological wealth that exists within our borders. As a result, Colombia has become a primary reference for plant diversity, as well as for various other biological categories, like birds and amphibians. According to the Biodiversity Information System (SIB), 15% of known plant species in our country are used for traditional medicinal and therapeutic purposes, predominantly by indigenous communities. Furthermore, it is estimated that approximately 204 species are endemic, largely unknown, and classified as 'endangered.' The exhibition "Colombia: Plants, Flavors, and Traditions" seeks to emphasize the importance of Colombia’s botanical diversity and the traditional knowledge associated with it, while promoting the conservation and sustainable use of our plant life."

Above: Carludovica palmata, watercolor- graphite, ©Juan Felipe Martínez

Under the auspices of the illustration collective BioGrafos, the University of Antioquia's Herbarium, and the University of Antioquia’s Museum (MUUA), in collaboration with local and international illustrators and partner institutions, the exhibition 'Colombia: Plants, Flavors, and Traditions” will be held at the Main Hall of the Camilo Torres Restrepo Theater from May to June 2025. The exhibition features 24 Colombian illustrators, alongside a Peruvian botanical artist, who have selected plant species from a meticulously curated list of culturally important plants prepared by the organizing committee. Some of the artworks will also be shared digitally on a global scale, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the exceptional talent of our botanical artists and the remarkable diversity of Colombia's flora.

Artwork

Above:
Row 1 (left to right): Aiphanes horrida (Jacq.) Burret - ©Adriana Sanín; Physalis peruviana L. (C)Sara Rios;
Row 2 (left to right): Genipa americana L. ©Juan David Durango; Passiflora quadrangularis L.- ©Erika Torres;
Row 3 (left to right): Gustavia speciosa (Kunth) DC. ©Camila Pizano; Magnolia yarumalensis©Natalia Uribe 
Row 4 (left to right): Gustavia angustifolia ©Eduardo Pabón; Carludovica palmata ©Santiago Ocampo
Row 5 (left to right): Quercus humboldtii Bonpl. – ©Amalia Llano'; Rhizophora mangle L. - ©Sebastian Plata

Organizers

BioGrafos Illustration Collective, Universidad of Antioquia’s Herbarium

steering committee

Erika Torres Hoyos, Sara Ríos, Amalia Llano, Camila Pizano, Natalia Uribe y Felipe Cardona

Curators

Felipe Cardona Naranjo, Elena Moreno Gibello, Cristhian Molina Orjuela

Exhibition Venue

Main halll of the Camilo Torres Restrepo Theater at the University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia.

"Founded in 1803, the University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia, is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. With eleven regional campuses across Colombia, it is a central hub for education, research, and culture. The University’s Museum, located on the main campus in Medellín, showcases a diverse range of exhibitions, with a focus on the region's natural heritage and artistic traditions. Additionally, the University is home to the Camilo Torres Restrepo theater, which hosts performances, cultural events, and festivals, further enriching the cultural landscape of the city."

Exhibition Dates

May - July 2025 (Exact dates to be confirmed)

Photo courtesy of Natalia Uribe

Photo courtesy of Erika Torres


Botanical Art Worldwide 2018

Native Plants of Colombia

About this Exhibition

This exhibition is being organized by the Antioquia's University Herbaria (HUA) and the scientific illustration Collective Biografos. Is being hosted in Antioquia's University Museum (MUUA). Our opening date is May 18th, with an opening conference hosted by Consuelo García, main artist from the HUA for thirty years. The ending date is on July 28th, during this time there will be three courses for beginners in botanical illustration. Also in Bogotá, there are going to be several talks by scientific illustration Juan Pablo Vergara Galvis about botanical illustration and its history in our country.

Jurors of selection are: Botanist Álvaro Idárraga and artist Adriana Sanín.


artwork

Embreez rodrigasiana is one of the more than 4,000 orchids native to Colombia. This epiphytic orchid grows from trees and its fragrant flowers hang downward.

 

Embreez rodrigasiana, watercolor on paper, ©Carolina Rivera

Oryctanthus grandis, ink on paper. © Consuelo García

Oryctanthus grandis, ink on paper. © Consuelo García


Organizers

BioGrafos Colectivo de Ilustración and Herbario Universidad de Antioquia (HUA)

 
Colombia Sponsor 3.jpg
Colombia Sponsor 1.jpg
Colombia Sponsor 2.jpg

Steering Committee

Natalia Uribe
Felipe Cardona


exhibition Venue

University of Antioquia Museum, Medellín, Colombia

Founded in 1802, the University of Antioquia's main campus is in Medellín, Colombia, with eleven regional campuses throughout Colombia. Its Museum is located in the center of the city.

 
University of Antioquia Museum, Medellin, Colombia, photo courtesy Natalia Uribe

University of Antioquia Museum, Medellin, Colombia, photo courtesy Natalia Uribe

Interior of Museum, photo courtesy Felipe Cardona.

Interior of Museum, photo courtesy Felipe Cardona.


Location

University of Antioquia Museum, Medellín, Colombia

 

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