For Colombian photographer and illustrator Esteban Borrero, a career in the creative world occurred somewhat unexpectedly. With a degree and Masters in Economics at the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá and Universidad Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, respectively, his formation in art came by way of informal workshops, and most significantly, a residency in Oaxaca, Mexico. The Bogota born artist explored Colombia as a child with his father and an analog camera. Everything he knows about photography today, he attributes to these trips during which he learned to appreciate and document the details.

While completing a thesis on the impact of Colombia’s informal economy on the country’s total production, Esteban applied his artistic skills to create visual references for the street vendors and their improvised carts, which he crossed paths with daily. Through the encouragement of an art professor, he eventually decided to develop a series with these illustrations, which gained traction in the local art industry, and were featured in the book Soy Bogotá by Casas Reigner’s publishing house La Oficina del Doctor.

Esteban has always felt a special connection to his hometown, and is known for his knack of capturing its essence through everyday scenes. We invited him to share with us his distinct perspective of the city. 

Instagram: @eborreroll__dibujos