A unique piece of Medellín’s digital and cultural history, signed by the master who immortalized Colombian art.
Do you want a piece of internet history in Colombia? This is your chance!
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from September 5th till September 20th * or until sold for the Buy it now price tag
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History
Behind every object we collect throughout our lives, there are unique stories that make them invaluable. This is the story of a special drawing by Fernando Botero, which is closely linked to the early days of the Internet in Colombia.
At the end of the 90s, I was one of the pioneers of digital entrepreneurship in the country. In 1998, we transformed paisas.com from a business directory (sort of like Medellín's yellow pages online) to a city guide focused on promoting “paisa” culture on the Internet. It was a moment in which Medellín began to leave behind an era marked by violence and began to show, another side of its cultural wealth and opened the first online space for paisas to celebrate their heritage.
With the support of my family and a team of local creative minds, we set out to show a different side of Medellín, highlighting its vibrant culture. Despite the challenges, especially at a time when the Internet was viewed with skepticism, we never lost sight of our goal. I remember how the creative directors of advertising agencies laughed at us and said that no one would have websites or buy advertising on the Internet. How far ahead we were, and fortunately, we never lost focus of what was coming.
My mother had the privilege of knowing and becoming friends with Maestro Botero. During the development of our city guide, she asked his permission to include his work and story on paisas.com. With characteristic generosity, Botero agreed, allowing us to share his art with the world. Thanks to the support of the Museum of Antioquia, we become the first digital media partner to disseminate the master's work globally.
In 1999, Paisas.com was acquired by StarMedia Networks, further expanding the reach of Maestro Botero's work. In 2000, during the inauguration of the Medellín Metro, the Maestro held a lunch at the home of the director of the Museum of Antioquia. There, he drew on white cards for the guests. In that unique moment, I asked him for a special drawing, and thus this work that I now make available was born.
Wayback Machine Archive
Paisas.com press archive
Wallpapers from 1999
Why am I going to auction it?
Currently, I am going through a difficult time both emotionally and financially. I have been facing various family and personal challenges for the past 4 years and have decided to part with some objects with deep emotional value, in the hope that they will find a home where they will be appreciated as much as I appreciate them. This Botero drawing is not only a priceless piece of art, but also a testimony to a crucial time in the digital and cultural history of Medellín.
I hope that whoever acquires this drawing appreciates the effort of the Maestro, the work of the Paisas.com team and the cultural wealth of the city and the region.
Thank you for your time and for considering the opportunity to preserve this valuable memory.
