Lorenzo Nicolás Homar Gelabert (September 10, 1913 – February 16, 2004) was a Puerto Rican printmaker, painter, and calligrapher whose artwork stretches to three main workshops: (CPA), DIVEDCO (), and the of the (ICP). Homar was also the designer of the logo of the (Institute of Puerto Rican Culture).

Early years

Lorenzo Homar was born in 1913 in Barrio Puerta de Tierra in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His father, Lorenzo Homar Sr., was a film promoter and his mother, Margarita Gelabert, a pianist. Although he attended grammar school in San Juan, in 1928 due to financial difficulties, his family is forced to move to New York City. Because of the financial situation of his family, Homar did not finish his high school education and went to work in a textile factory. In 1931, he attended New York's Art Students League where he learned the art of drawing under the guidance of George Bridgman.

Homar joined the House of Cartier in 1936 in New York as an apprentice designer of jewelry. During this period of his life he studied engraving, drawing and history of design. Furthermore, the income from his position at Cartier allowed Homar to take night classes in painting, design and typography at Pratt Institute.

Honors and recognitions

Homar's works were exhibited in the Ponce Museum of Art in 1979. The Metropolitan Museum of Art purchased some of his works. The University of Puerto Rico proclaimed him a Doctorate "Honoris Causa" and the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture presented him with the National Medal of Honor in 2003.

  • 60px  Purple Heart
  • 60px  Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars
  • 60px  World War II Victory Medal
  • 60px  Philippine Liberation Medal

Later years

On February 16, 2004, Lorenzo Homar died in Barrio Puerta de Tierra in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

  • "Puerto Rico: Arte e Identidad"; Author: Teresa Tio; chapter=El Cartel: Arma de resistencia cultural; Publisher=La Editorial, UPR; .
  • "Mente, Mirada, Mano: Visiones y Revisiones de La Obra de Lorenzo Homar"; by Efraín Barradas; Publisher: Ediciones Huracan;