César Orrico
Spain, 1984
Sensual movement, kinetic energy, and precise detail – these are the unmistakable earmarks of Orrico’s work. The artist’s naturalistic treatment of the body reveals an intimate knowledge of anatomy which he meticulously and elegantly depicts in each figure. The combination of warm and cool elements produces tremendous intensity and strength such that the viewer is struck by both the dynamism of the form as well as the tension exhibited therein.
Yet there exists another plane on which to experience Orrico’s work as he juxtaposes the classical paradigm with modernity – and it is this contrast which provides entrée into the spiritual and, some would say, mystical realm. The imposing force of the physique counterbalanced by the serenity of the facial expression invites one to undertake a profound and seductive dialogue, an exploration of the diverse aspects inherent to the human experience.
Orrico received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors in 2007 and his Master of Arts in Art, Creation and Research in 2008, both from the University of Madrid, Spain. From 2014 to 2015, Orrico was an Associate Professor at European University, also in Madrid, Spain and he has won numerous awards including First Prize FLECHAZO 2016, FLECHA Contemporary Art Fair (Madrid, Spain), First Prize in Sculpture, I Contest PINTAURUS (Comunidad de Madrid, Spain) and Prix Jean Asselbergs, Fondation Taylor (Paris, France) to name just a few.
Hikari
2016 / Bronze and wood / 69.5 x 9 x 7.5 inch
“The name of Hikari has a meaning in Japanese such as light or brightness and in this case it represents a woman in a serene attitude made of bronze and wood. In this sculpture the wood not only functions as a synthesizing of the body but also reduces to a few lines which would be a kimono.
In some of my works I like to mix opposite characteristics blending cool and warm materials. In addition to the intrinsic differences of each material such as: color, texture, origin, temperature and meanings acquired throughout history. I try to make a contemporary work where the symbolic value of these confluences accompanied the meaning of the work. The duality can be seen in my sculptures through the fusion of different materials and is undoubtedly influenced by duality as part of our human experience. On the other hand in my works I create an internal dialogue of great intensity experimenting with the polarity that arises between the tension and the inner movement of the body and the appeased and serene faces.”
Caronte
2022 / Bronze / 18,1 x 5,9 x 5,9 inch
“I represent Caronte inspired by Greek mythology, as a guide between one side and the other. In this case Caronte is not a fierce or troubled boatman but a serene character who rows through calm waters, absorbed in his journey as a companion towards the inevitable. A wink towards the transience of life and the spirituality after it.”
Origen
2022 / Bronze / 22,8 x 15,3 x 6,2 inch
“In this sculpture I continue working on the concept of the magical and the transcendental, connecting the figures that I represent with a spiritual and sometimes intangible world. The gilding in these last works has a divine and ethereal meaning. Origen has a golden hand because the figure is transcending to a spiritual world, it is the beginning of a transformation, that is why only the part that most protrudes from the figure is golden, it is as if she began to become something higher.”
Sanfermin
2017 / Bronze / 10 x 4 x 6 inch
“With Sanfermin I propose a symbiosis between the animal and the human in which it is not known which of the two parts dominates the other. Since ancient times, human beings have been fascinated by this animal and the Spanish geography is full of festivals that involve it. Unquestionably it is a very beautiful animal, full of character, strength and elegance, qualities that I have tried to show for through this representation, but the question remains...”