Martín Chirino López, born on March 1, 1925, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, emerged as a pivotal figure in the realm of abstract sculpture, leaving an indelible mark on the art world until his passing on March 11, 2019, in Madrid, Spain. His journey from the sandy shores of Las Canteras in his hometown to the bustling art scenes of Madrid and beyond is a testament to his relentless pursuit of artistic innovation and his deep-rooted connection to his cultural heritage. Chirino's early life was steeped in the maritime culture of Las Palmas, where his father's work as a naval engineering supervisor introduced him to the materials that would later define his artistic medium. By the age of 15, Chirino was already exploring the African coast and learning to work with iron and wood in the shipyards, a formative experience that ignited his passion for sculpture. His artistic journey formally began in 1944 at the academy of sculptor Manuel Ramos in Las Palmas, followed by a brief stint at the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters of the Complutense University in Madrid to study English philology. However, his true calling led him to the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where he graduated as a teacher by 1952. Chirino's post-graduation years were marked by travels that would greatly influence his artistic vision. He ventured to Paris, Italy, and London, where he completed his artistic training at the Slade School of Fine Arts. His encounters with the works of modern masters such as Julio González, Henry Moore, and Barbara Hepworth, alongside the archaic sculptures of the British Museum, enriched his understanding of sculpture. These experiences, coupled with regular trips to the western African coast, shaped his artistic identity and led to the creation of his first series, Reinas Negras. In 1957, Chirino co-founded the influential art group El Paso, which played a crucial role in revitalizing Spanish art in the postwar period. The group's commitment to innovation and critique of the social and political landscape facilitated the internationalization of its members' works. Chirino's involvement with El Paso, until its dissolution in 1960, was a period of intense creativity and collaboration. Chirino's solo work is characterized by his masterful use of iron, transforming this rigid material into dynamic, abstract forms that often incorporate the spiral—a symbol of identity and the universe. His sculptures engage in a dialogue with space, inviting viewers to explore the interplay of form, shadow, and light. Notable series throughout his career include Mediterráneas, Aeróvoros, and works that draw inspiration from the Guanche culture of the Canary Islands, reflecting his ongoing exploration of cultural identity and artistic expression. Throughout his illustrious career, Chirino received numerous accolades, including the National Award for Plastic Arts in 1980, the Gold Medal for Fine Arts in 1985, and the Cristóbal Gabarrón Foundation International Award for Plastic Arts in 2008. He also held significant cultural administration posts, serving as president of the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid and director of the Atlantic Center of Modern Art in Las Palmas. In 2015, the Martín Chirino Art and Thought Foundation was inaugurated in the Castillo de la Luz in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, housing a permanent collection of his works and offering a retrospective of his career. Chirino's legacy is not only preserved in this foundation but also in the hearts and minds of those inspired by his commitment to forging a unique path in the world of abstract sculpture. His work remains a bridge between tradition and modernity, a celebration of cultural roots, and a bold exploration of the possibilities of form and material.

Martin Chirino Quotes and Sales of Works

Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current market values.

If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the artist, contact us immediately.

If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the works:

Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back, and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work and any kind of available documentation (purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme professionalism.

If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us and let us know your request. We will inform you about the available works. We also offer the possibility to subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be informed at the beginning of each month about the latest acquisitions of the art gallery.

You can send us pictures of the work:

• by mail –>  [email protected]
• by WhatsApp –> +39 3205747749