Today is the birthday of Simon Bolivar, the famous leader of Venezuela who played a key role in South America's successful bid for independence from the Spanish Empire in the early 19th century. So as citizens of Venezuela celebrate Bolivar's birthday, we'd like to highlight 15 artists who represent some of Venezuela's most important creative figures from his reign to today. From past artists like Martín Tovar y Tovar and Cristóbal Rojas to more contemporary painters, sculptors and architects like Carlos Cruz-Diez and Jesus Rafael Soto, the artists represent a broad survey of the country's recent art history.
