Writers, Poets and Intellectuals
(Arranged by date of birth)

Julio Arboleda (1817-1862)  – Poet, writer, Army member and politician.
A man of character and moral convictions, Arboleda was one of the major political leadres of the 19th century that helped determine the territorial division of Colombia.
He was an important lawyer and a General of the Army who also distinguished himself in the field of poetry with his epic poem Gonzalo de Oyón and many beautiful love poems.
Arboleda was born in Timbiquí.

Sergio Arboleda (1822-1888)  – Writer and politician.
Arboleda was an excellent and prolific writer. He was also a lawyer, just like his brother Julio. He held important political posts and was a member of the Colombian Academy of History.
He wrote many important books including The Political Constitution, The Republic in Hispanic America, Rudiments of Geography, Chronology and History and The Revolution of Cauca.
This illustrios writer and jurist was born in Popayán.

José María Cordovez (1835-1918)  – Chronicler.
Author Cordovez Moure is best known for his chronicle Reminiscences of Santafé and Bogota, published in two volumes by El Telegrama Publishing House.
His other works include Autobiographical Memories, A Trip to Rome and About the Life in the Old Days. Cordovez was a member of El Mosaico, a group of intellectuals and writers.
He was born in Popayán.

Guillermo Valencia (1873-1943)  – Poet and politician.
A prominent jurist, diplomat, politician and poet, Valencia was one of the most brilliant figures of Latin American literature. His book of poetry, Rites, published in 1899, comprises some of his best works, including Song to Popayán, and Anarkos, Reading Silva, The Camels, The Two Heads, and Melancholy.
Many honours were bestowed upon this famous poet. Educational institutions, libraries, literary rooms and several other places have been named after him.
Valencia was born in Popayán.

Carlos López de Narváez (1897-1971)  – Writer, poet and journalist.
Respected in the political and intellectual world, López de Narváez was acclaimed as a poet, academic, writer and translator of literature.
As a diplomat to France, he represented Colombia as well as holding other important government positions. López de Narváez translated many famous books from French, English and Italian.
He was a member of the Colombian Academy of Language.
His place of birth was Popayán.

Rafael Maya (1897-1980)  – Poet and literary critic.
Maya was a university professor who dedicated his life to literature,
He received his first literary prize at the age of only 19. He was a member of the Colombian Academy of Language and was presented with the Cross of Boyacá, among other awards.
Examples of his prose include Letters and the Learned, Literary Writings.
Maya was born in Popayán.

Artists

Adolfo Dueñas (1845-1909)  – Painter.
Many of the famous paintings by this portrait artist are found in galleries and government offices. An example of his most important work can be seen on the dome of Popayán Cathedral. Dueñas was also born in Popayán.

Efraín Martínez (1898-1956)  – Painter and portrait artist.
This classical painter was given an Honorary Doctorate in Painting from the University of Cauca. Among his many works the most famous is Apotheosis of Popayán , which is also one of the largest oil paintings in the world. He was decorated with the Cross of Boyacá and was given the Medal of Honour from the Popayán IV Centennial Foundation. Martínez was born in Popayán.

Artists (Cont.)

Luis Angel Rengifo (1906-1986) Painter and professor.
He was a portrait artist, landscape painter and muralist. He worked on oil paintings, watercolours and developed all kinds of engraving techniques. He was an Art Professor in several universities and Professor of Engraving at the Fine Arts School in Bogota. His works were exhibited in Popayan, Cali, Bogota, Mexico City and Madrid.
Some of his most outstanding works are The Holy Week in Popayan (20 pieces), La Salve mural of the Almaguer Church and several well-known people portraits. He was awarded many prizes and honours. His birthplace was Almaguer

Edgar Negret  (1920-2012) Sculptor, painter and sketch artist.
Considered to be one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century, Negret is ranked among the geometric artists even though his sculptures show great sensuality.
His work has been shown at many of the world's most important museums and galleries. In 1967 he won the Grand Prize in Sculpture at the XIX National Artists Room of the Luis Angel Arango Library in Bogota. Two years later he earned the Silver Medal in the VIII Biennial of Art of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Then in 1968 he was awarded the Grand Prize of Sculpture, David Bright, at the XXXIV Vienna International Art Exhibit in Venice, Italy. He was honoured with the Cross of Boyacá in 1994.
The artist established the Negret Museum in his hometown of Popayán.

José María López "Pepon"  – 1939-2016)  – Cartoonist.
One of the most renowned cartoonists of Colombia, Pepón has had more than 1500 cartoons published across the nation, mainly in El Espectador newspaper.
He has also authored several comic strips. His cartoons vary greatly in subject matter. Pepón was born in Popayán.

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Musicians and Composers

Efrain Orozco (1897-1975)  – Musician and composer.
Pianist, guitarist, flutist, trumpet player, and orchestra conductor, Orozco was also a well-known composer of popular and folk music. Moreover, he composed 'bambucos' and 'pasillos' such as Señora Maria Rosa, Allá en la Montaña, Adiós a Popayán and El Regreso.
The Colombian Government presented him with the Cross Camilo Torres and he was given the Cross Sebastián de Belalcázar from the government of Cauca. Orozco was born in Cajibío.

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Beauty Queen "Miss Colombia"




–1966–
Elsa María Garrido
Born in Popayán in 1948.







–2008–
Michelle Rouillard
Born in Popayán in 1986.