Jorge Oteiza

Orio, Guipúzcoa, 1908 - San Sebastián, 2003

Jorge Oteiza , was a renovator of sculpture in Spain and internationally speaking one of the most prominent sculptors of the 20th century. In his early days, his works were compact blocks which would later evolve, after he spent some time in Latin America and above all due to the influence of Moore, towards a lighter style of sculpture until attaining the void. His largest commission would come in 1950 when he won the tender to produce the sculptures for the Aranzazu Basilica, although they would not be installed until 1969. In 1959, he announced his intention to cease his work on sculpture in order to direct his interest towards theoretical thought, politics and above all, the national identity of the Basque Country. He was awarded the international sculpture prize at the IV São Paulo Art Biennial in 1957.

C.J.