Antonio "Tony" Sotomayor (May 13, 1902 – February 10, 1985) was a Bolivian-born American artist, muralist, painter, caricaturist, ceramicist, and educator. He was a prominent figure in the San Francisco art scene and was often referred to as the city's "Artist Laureate."
Early Life and Education
Antonio Sotomayor was born on May 13, 1902, in Chulumani, Bolivia to Celia Meza and Juan Sotomayor. He began his formal art education at the Escuela de Bellas Artes in La Paz, where he studied under the Belgian metal artist Lucien Bloch.
In 1923, he immigrated to the United States, settling in San Francisco, California. Upon arrival, Sotomayor took a job as a dishwasher at the Palace Hotel. His artistic talents quickly emerged when he began sketching caricatures of his co-workers. His work caught the attention of the hotel management, who eventually made him the "Artist in Residence."
During his early years in San Francisco, Sotomayor continued his studies at the Mark Hopkins Institute of Art, which later became the San Francisco Art Institute.
Artistic Career
Murals and Public Art
Sotomayor became widely recognized for his mural work, blending Latin American themes with modernist styles. Notable works include:
- Palace Hotel Murals (1930s): Painted two murals in the "Pied Piper" room of the historic hotel.
- El Tigrero Mural (1937): Created for the Richard Neutra-designed Arthur and Mona Hofmann House in Hillsborough, California.
- Golden Gate International Exposition (1939–1940): Painted murals for the Peruvian Pavilion and created the Fountain of the Pacific, a 36x46 foot terracotta relief map of the Pacific region, executed at Gladding McBean ceramics studio. The fountain remains a rare surviving artifact from the event and efforts have been made to restore it for public display.
- Grace Cathedral Murals (1980s): Painted a 30-panel mural focusing on religious themes at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, reflecting his deep interest in spiritual art.
Illustration and Caricature
Sotomayor was also an accomplished illustrator and caricaturist. His early caricatures at the Palace Hotel led to further opportunities in editorial illustration and book design.
Ceramics and Design
In addition to murals and illustration, Sotomayor was skilled in ceramics. His terracotta relief map for the Golden Gate International Exposition highlighted his talent in large-scale ceramic design.
Teaching Career
Sotomayor was deeply involved in arts education. His teaching roles included:
- California School of Fine Arts (San Francisco Art Institute) (1940–1950)[1]
- Mills College, Art Professor (1942–1943)
He was known for mentoring young artists and emphasizing both technical skill and artistic expression.
Artistic Style and Influences
Sotomayor's work often combined Latin American cultural themes, historical references, and modernist influences. His murals, in particular, were characterized by their rich storytelling, earthy color palettes, and textured surfaces, often incorporating mythology and historical figures from both South and North America.
Personal Life
Antonio Sotomayor married Grace Andrews in 1927, and the couple remained together until his death. They lived for over 40 years in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco on Leroy Place. The couple did not have children.
Legacy and Death
Sotomayor was a prominent member of the San Francisco Art Association, The Family, and the Bohemian Club. He served for over a decade on the San Francisco Arts Commission, receiving the Award of Honor in 1978 for his contributions to the city's cultural landscape.[2]
He died on February 10, 1985, at the San Francisco Community Hospice after battling cancer.[3]
Collections and Recognition
Sotomayor's work is included in the collections of:
- Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco[4]
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
His murals, illustrations, and public art continue to be celebrated for their cultural significance and artistic excellence.
Selected Works and Illustrations
Antonio Sotomayor also contributed illustrations for books and publications, though specific titles are not fully listed in available sources.