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"Biography"

JOSE LUIS YAMUNAQUE

Sculptor, Ceramist, Educator

José Luis Yamunaqué was born in 1951 in the northern region of Perú in the village of Chulucanas. Early in his life, he was inspired to learn and pursue the artistry of Pre-Colombian ceramic traditions under the guidance of his father, Severino Yamunaqué.

He realized his formal studies at the National School of Ceramics in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1976.  There, he began his quest to incorporate the ancient techniques into a modern context.  When he returned to Perú, he worked as a restorer of archaeological ceramics in the National Institute of Culture.  Later in 1983, he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Stituto Statal D’Arte per la Ceramica de Sesto Florentino in Florence, Italy.  While in Italy he studied sculpture with the master, Salvatore Cipolla. Yamunaque then came to the United States in 1993 and studied with the talented sculptor, Carlos Dorrien of Wellesley College, Massachusetts.

Returning to Perú, Yamunaqué provided a series workshops in Pre Columbian ceramic techniques at the National University of San Marcos, the Asociacion Peruana de Arqueologia, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Perú and at Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria.  He worked as a professor in ceramic restoration at Proyecto Regional de Patrimonio Cultural, the National Museum of Archeology and Anthropology sponsored by the Instituto Nacional de Cultura and the UNESCO.

Professionally, he has served as a visiting artist at the Cranbrook Schools and at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.  He has been an artist-in-residence for several distinguished and internationally renowned institutions including the Ceramic Arts Program at Harvard University; Wellesley College; Abilene Christian University and the Abilene Fine Arts Museum in Texas; the Institute of Santa Ana in Buenos Aires, as well as the School of Plastic Arts and the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture in Puerto Rico. 

Yamunaqué is well-known in Perú for his contemporary work with techniques, and imagery used in pre-Colombian Peruvian ceramics.  Yamunaqué is a long standing member of the New England Sculptors Association (NESA).  He has exhibited throughout the United States.  Using his own fusion of ancient traditions with modern techniques, he has produced a significant body of work he entitles, “Cerámica Infinital” which includes vessels, birds, abstract sculptures and human figures that are sought after by individual art lovers and private/public institutional collectors.  Currently, one of his sculptures is on permanent display at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California. 

With each work, Yamunaqué seeks to create sculptural pieces that embody the beauty and artistry of his heritage and teachings while expressing the passion and inspiration he holds for today and hopes for the future!

"INFINITE FORM"

INFINITAL

Jose Luis Yamunaque -- Ceramic Sculptor

Jose Luis Yamunaque was born in the village of Chulucanas, in Northern Peru in 1951. He learned the ways of the Pre-Columbian ceramic tradition from his father. He realized his formal studies at the National School of Ceramics in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He later attended the Stituto Statal de Sesto Florentino in Florence, Italy. His studies there included working with the master, Salvatore Cipolla. Yamunaque eventually came to the United States, and studied with sculptor Carlos Dorrien at Wellesley College.

Jose Luis Yamunaque and his wife, Florencia, visited Marstons Mills East Horace Mann Charter School on Friday, December 10, 2004. Sr. Yamunaque created a decorative vessel for the enraptured Grade 4 students and then completed one for the Grade 3 students. A slide presentation of his artwork including sculptures elicited ooh's and aah's from mesmerized students.

The two grade levels had recently completed their own clay pieces and their first-hand knowledge of clay and its complexities permitted a respectful and more in-depth understanding of techniques and tools.

PRESENTATION

I am influenced by art in all of its diverse manifestations. From music to literature, architecture to archeology. My ceramic art is the result of observing time and space and contemplating my relationship with our world, the diverse and distinct cultures; the magnificent beauty that makes up our natural environment. Conversely, I am affected deeply by mankind s cruelty and devastation to others and our world.

I have four distinct lines of ceramic work.


Vessels
These polychromatic vessels are feminine in stature. They represent the women of the village of Simbila – Piura – Peru, where my father was born. Even the most humble women from this area proudly wear gold earrings.

Birds
These are influenced directly from my stay in the beautiful city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. This country has been deeply affected by military atrocities. I often imagined a flock of birds coming down to the earth bringing justice to that nation which has been torn so cruelly by military dictatorship. The birds I create are amphibious, singing, spiraling, grounded and infinite.

Abstract Sculptures
These Sculptures have three intervening, symbolic elements: Depth, the sphere and the spiral. Using these three elements I hope to explore, express and communicate the Infinite.

The Human Figure
When working with the figure I focus on the concepts of positive and negative forces to create rhythms. I want the work to move like the wind or music and give spiritual nourishment.

 

RECOGNITION

- Video "YAMUNAQUE - INFINITE CERAMICS" Sponsored by CONCYTEC.Lima, Peru
  Filmed by Poet Omar Aramayo.

- The University Santa Maria. The V Craft Exhibition Iberoamericana. MAI
  97.Lecheria, 25 de Noviembre de 1997. Venezuela.   

        
- Art Collection at North Eastern Univesity. Boston,  Ma.

- The Sidney Swidler Collection of Contemporary Ceramics of the Old Crocker Art
  Museum and Mansion Wing. Sacramento, California.


www.youtube.com/user/joseyamunaque