Early Life and Education

• Born: San Juan, Puerto Rico (September 10, 1913)
• Died: February 16, 2004
• Lorenzo Homar Gelabert's early years were marked by financial hardship. His family moved to New York City in 1928.
• He attended the Art Students League in New York, studying drawing under George Bridgman.
• Homar worked as an apprentice designer at Cartier, where he studied engraving, drawing, and history of design.
• He also took night classes in painting, design, and typography at Pratt Institute.

World War II Service and Artistic Development

• Served in the Pacific Campaign during World War II.
• Received the Purple Heart Medal for his service.
• After the war, he studied at the School of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, learning from Ben Shahn and Rufino Tamayo.

Return to Puerto Rico and Artistic Career

• Returned to Puerto Rico in 1950.
• Co-founded the Centro de Arte Puertorriqueño (CAP).
• Became director of the graphics studio of the Graphic Art Division of Puerto Rico's Department of Community Education (DIVEDCO).
• Designed the logo for the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (ICP).
• Developed a strong focus on graphic printmaking, particularly silkscreen.
• Established his own printing studio in 1975.

Major Works and Recognition

• Notable works include: Spanish Incunables, The Lion in Books, and What a Rare Book! (all silkscreen posters).
• Exhibited his work at the Ponce Museum of Art.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired several of his pieces.
• Received a Doctorate "Honoris Causa" from the University of Puerto Rico.
• Awarded the National Medal of Honor from the Puerto Rican Institute of Culture in 2003.

Artistic Significance and Legacy

• Lorenzo Homar is recognized as a key figure in Puerto Rican art, particularly for his contributions to graphic arts and design.
• His work reflects a unique blend of traditional techniques and modern themes, often exploring Puerto Rican cultural identity and literary subjects.
• He played a crucial role in the development of the graphic arts movement in Puerto Rico, influencing a generation of artists.
• Homar's legacy continues to inspire artists in Puerto Rico and beyond.