Yázpik is one of the most pre-eminent contemporary sculptors in Mexico, working in direct carving by hand in impressive stones, like Marble, Onyx, Jade, Red Obsidian and Black Obsidian.
This piece is an exceptional expample of craftsmanship embodied in this pieces of shiny black Obsidian.

S/T UNTITLED - OBSIDIAN SCULPTURE IV

by JORGE YÁZPIK, Mexico, 2019

SIZE: 52 x 81 x 57 cms / 20.47" x 31.88" x 22.44”
MATERIAL: black Obsidian, direct carving

Black Obsidian sculpture, directly carved piece. Jorge Yázpik is one of the most renowned contemporary Mexican artists (born Mexico City, 1955). He works in large and small scale abstract sculptures using various precious and semi-precious stones. Yázpik approaches stone materials with high respect for their natural qualities, opportunities, and limitations. Often Jade and Obsidian are presented in an unpolished glory, displaying their crystal appeal through carefully placed cuts. Every discourse with the material is approached in Yázpik’s own words, by “clearing the path”, making space for the accidental element. He incorporates a strong architectural design language within his oeuvre.

Yázpik was mentored by Mexican ‘Ruptura’ artist Manuel Felguerez, a pioneer in Mexican Geometrism. Yázpik explores the negative space and takes references to Pre-Columbian sculpture with a volumetric and spatial language. He carves into the material to create labyrinthine negative spaces, with precise geometric landscapes, contrasting the organic outer surfaces of the stones. He engages the viewer visually, tactually, spatially and architecturally. Most of his works stay untitled, the sculptures shall speak for themselves.