Jose Luis Fernández

After receiving his early training as an artisan and artist at the School of Applied Arts and Artistic Trades of Oviedo and in local wood and marble working shops, José Luis Fernández moved to Madrid in 1960, where he apprenticed under established sculptors. He opened his own workshop in 1964. Building on the work of Brancusi and Henry Moore, but without attaching himself to any particular movement, from 1969 in his figurative sculptures Fernández gradually began to incorporate elements of synthesis, partial abstraction and metamorphosis of natural forms. Thus from 1975 he created several sculptural series in which he revealed his evolving personal style. Among them: Osamentas – inspired in bones; Encuentros, treatments of the human figure; Totems, based on anatomical references; and Germinaciones y Floraciones, in which he combines plant and human forms in a stylized and metaphorical manner. Among the artistic works of José Luis Fernández there is however one sculpture that has attained iconic status: the famous statuette for the Goya Awards, since 1988 the most coveted prize in Spanish cinema.