Instituto Cervantes in Amman hosts an exhibition of graphic works (replicas) by multidisciplinary artist José Dámaso, inspired by the dramatic poem La Umbría by the Canarian modernist writer Alonso Quesada.
The exhibition is part of the commemorative activities marking the centenary of Quesada’s death, a key figure in modernist literature in the Canary Islands.
José Dámaso Trujillo (Agaete, Gran Canaria, 1933) is one of the most prolific artists of the archipelago. A painter, sculptor, and filmmaker, his career is characterized by a deep connection to Canarian identity. Trained in Madrid and Seville, he shares with César Manrique an artistic vision rooted in the cultural heritage of the territory.
His work stands out for its vibrant use of color and light, and for a constant emphasis on aboriginal roots, African influences, local traditions, and the relationship between landscape and tourism. Awarded the Canarias Prize for Fine Arts and Performance in 1996, he has exhibited internationally in cities such as New York, Paris, Venice, and Dakar.
His travels through America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East have enriched a body of work that addresses universal themes such as death from a cultural perspective.
With more than six decades of artistic trajectory, José Dámaso is a key figure in the international projection of Canarian art.
