Ever wonder how iron can be transformed into breathtaking art? The Sala Martín Chirino stands as a testament to the sculptor’s mastery. Martín Chirino, born in 1925, left an indelible mark on the world of abstract art.
Chirino cofounded the El Paso group in 1957. This collective pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. His primary medium was iron. He shaped it into pieces that defy gravity and ignite the imagination.
Let’s delve into the life of this remarkable artist. Chirino’s journey began in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. He later honed his skills at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid. Further studies at the Royal Academy of Arts in London refined his technique.
After his studies, Martín Chirino returned to Las Palmas. He began a strong cooperation with his friend Manolo Millares. His relocation to Madrid marked a pivotal moment. He then joined the El Paso group. This was after his exhibition at the Ateneo de Madrid.
Internal differences led to the group’s dissolution in 1960. Chirino then opened his own workshop. It was designed by Antonio Fernández Alba.
A trip to Greece in 1964 sparked his “Mediterránea” series. Vivid colors and hollowed volumes characterize this collection. The Grace Borgenicht Gallery in New York City hosted a solo exhibition.
Chirino’s “Aeróvoros” sculptures captivated audiences. Maud Westerdahl christened these seemingly weightless creations. Even the Guggenheim Museum acquired one of these sculptures.
Recognition poured in. He received the first prize at the International Biennale of Sculpture in Budapest in 1978. The Spanish National Award for Plastic Arts followed in 1980. Five years later, he received the Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts.
In 1989, Martín Chirino became director of the Centro Atlántico de Arte Moderno in Las Palmas. He simultaneously directed the Círculo de Bellas Artes of Madrid. He held that position since 1982.
“Lady Harimaguada” was inaugurated in 1996. It became a symbol of Las Palmas. His Spiral was installed at the Canarian Parliament Building in 1999.
Chirino’s legacy extends beyond his sculptures. He resigned as director of the CAAM in 2002. In 2014, he was appointed honorary member of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. Martín Chirino died in Madrid on March 11, 2019. He was 94 years old.
The Fundacion Martín Chirino preserves his artistic vision. It opened in the Castillo de la Luz in 2015. Twenty-five of his works trace his career.
So, as you stand before the Sala Martín Chirino remember the man who shaped iron into dreams. His art speaks of wind and sea. It embodies the spirit of the Canary Islands. It ensures that his legacy lives on.