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BIO & C.V
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Hernan Illescas, a versatile Ecuadorian artist, is renowned for his impactful creations, spanning large-scale abstract sgraffito paintings, intricate ink drawings, and ceramic murals that delve into the historical memory of diverse cultures. A graduate in Fine Arts from the University of Cuenca, Hernan has forged a compelling artistic career spanning four decades.
His work has graced over 60 solo exhibitions in Ecuador, Canada, China, the United States, and Spain. Beyond solo exhibitions, he has participated in more than 90 group exhibitions across the globe, from Argentina and Poland to Mexico and South Korea. Hernan Illescas's artistic legacy resides in esteemed public collections worldwide, including the National Museum of Ecuador, Municipal Museum of Guayaquil, American University Museum at the Katzen Art Center, China International Culture Association, Azuay Provincial Court of Justice and the Museum of Modern Art of Cuenca as well as private collectors' homes.
Beyond his studio work, Hernan Illescas's passion for art extends into various realms. He has curated over 60 exhibitions, shared his artistic experiences with adults with special abilities, and contributed to the preservation of autochthonous traditions. Notable among these efforts are his role in the celebration of "Taita Carnaval" and the promotion of the Ecuadorian toquilla straw hat.
His journey as a cultural manager began in 1999, evolving through roles like directing the Hernan Illescas Contemporary Gallery, serving as the Director of Culture for the Municipality of Sígsig, co-founding the First Ecuadorian Art Fair, curating at the Gallery of Art of the Municipality of Cuenca, and creating the Arts Route-Municipal Tourism Foundation for Cuenca. His enduring commitment to art and culture earned him the "Hernan Crespo Toral" Award in 2019, recognizing his research, preservation, and dissemination of the cultural heritage of the Cuenca's city, as well as his contribution to the appreciation and strengthening of collective memories.
Hernan Illescas's artistic style draws inspiration from Mexican muralism, European expressionism, and Andean indigenous culture, resulting in a unique, elastic, and subtle identity applied to various bases. His sgraffito technique, producing signs and symbols, arises serendipitously through the use of textures on canvas.
Currently, his artistic goal is to contribute to the world by exploring the memory of peoples. His collections cover diverse themes, addressing global issues such as climate change, deforestation, thaw, and sustainability, alongside delving into the spiritual and religious aspects, the joy of childhood, and the symbolism of dreams. For Hernan Illescas, art is a conduit for conveying profound messages, fostering a connection with spiritual consciousness and fostering awareness of individual challenges.
“My mission is to blend spirituality and human experience into profound visual narratives, lifting the soul beyond the tangible through my art.”— Hernan Illescas
ART STATEMENT
“As a creator of large-scale abstract paintings, drawings and murals with distinctive signs and symbolism, employing a unique sgraffito technique, my art strives to inspire contemplation and spiritual awareness. I explore the human condition and nature, aiming to resonate with those attuned with social engagement and environmental consciousness. My work serves as a sanctuary for the soul, inviting those seeking deeper connections with art and life itself.”
Hernan Illescas
CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION
FINE ARTS SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA, ECUADOR,
Master of Fine Arts, 1983
RESEARCH, DESIGN, AND TRAINING INSTITUTE OF CREA
Copper Embossing, Wood Carving, Polychrome, Ceramics, and Pottery Diploma 1981-1983
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024
"Apologies for Barbarism" Metropolitan Cultural Center, Quito, Ecuador
"Apologies for Barbarism" OFF Contemporary Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
2023
"Apologies for Barbarism" Nahim Isaías Museum, Guayaquil, Ecuador
2022
"Connections" Alliance Française Art Gallery, Quito, Ecuador
2020
"Imperfect Beauty" Municipal Museum of Guayaquil, Ecuador
2019
"Imperfect Beauty" House of Ecuadorian Culture Matrix, Quito, Ecuador
"Imperfect Beauty" House of Ecuadorian Culture Nucleus of Cañar, Azogues, Ecuador
2018
"Retract," Municipal Museum of Sigsig, Ecuador
2017
"Retract" Prefecture House of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
2016
"Hernan Illescas, from Dream to Memory" Interamerican Development Bank, Washington D.C., USA
2015
"Hernan Illescas, from Dream to Memory" Pumapungo Museum, Cuenca, Ecuador
2014
"Dream Symbolism" Bellarte Gallery, Seoul, South Korea
2013
"Hernan Illescas, Inks" Latin American and Caribbean Cultural Center, Beijing, China
"Ecuador: Hernan Illescas" World Art Museum, Beijing, China
2010
"Hernan Illescas" Lana Santorelli Gallery, New York, USA
2009
"Hernan Illescas" Gallery of the American Consulate, Guayaquil, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Cultural Center of the European Institute Campus Stellae, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
2008
"Hernan Illescas" Theater Art Center Gallery, Guayaquil, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Galleries, Millennium Plaza Shopping Center, Cuenca, Ecuador
2007
"Hernan Illescas" 207 Art Gallery, Manhattan, NY, USA
"Hernan Illescas" Central Bank Museum, Cuenca, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Municipal Museum, Guayaquil, Ecuador
2006
"Hernan Illescas" Cultural Center of the Embassy of Ecuador in Washington DC, USA
"Hernan Illescas" 207 Art Gallery, Manhattan, NY, USA
"Hernan Illescas" Salon del Pueblo Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
2004
"Hernan Illescas" Contemporary Art Gallery Hernan Illescas, Cuenca, Ecuador
2003
"Hernan Illescas" Cultural Center of the Pontifical Catholic University, Quito, Ecuado
2002
"Hernan Illescas" Cultural Center of the Embassy of Ecuador, Mexico City, Mexico
"Hernan Illescas" Samuel Menache Art Gallery, Mexico City, Mexico
"Hernan Illescas" Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, Mexico City Campus
2001
"Hernan Illescas" Todo Arte Gallery, Guayaquil, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Contemporary Art Gallery Hernan Illescas, Cuenca, Ecuador
2000
"Hernan Illescas" Contemporary Art Gallery Hernan Illescas, Cuenca, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Galaxy D'art Gallery, New York, NY, USA
"Hernan Illescas" U-Frame-it Art Gallery, Oakland, NJ, USA
"Hernan Illescas" Paseo del Barranco Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
1999
"Hernan Illescas" Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Toronto, Canada
"Hernan Illescas" Madeleine Hollaender Art Gallery, Guayaquil, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Lazarrabal Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
1998
"Hernan Illescas" Lazarrabal Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
1997
"Hernan Illescas" Banco del Azuay Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Karnac Art Gallery, Quito, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Cultural House of Cuenca in Quito, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Chamber of Commerce Gallery, Cali, Colombia
1996
"Hernan Illescas Paintings" Cultural Hall of the Oro Verde Hotel, Guayaquil, Ecuador
1993
"Hernan Illescas" Metropolitan Gallery, Quito, Ecuador
1991
"Hernan Illescas" Filanbanco Art Gallery, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Gallery of the Municipality of North York, Toronto, Canada
1989
"Hernan Illescas" La Tienda Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Dali Art Gallery, Guayaquil, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Dali Art Gallery and the Tennis and Golf Club, Guayaquil, Ecuador
1988
"Hernan Illescas" Goribar Art Gallery, Ecuador
1987
"Hernan Illescas" Municipal Museum, Guayaquil, Ecuador
1986
"Hernan Illescas" La Tienda Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
1985
"Hernan Illescas" La Tienda Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
1984
"Hernan Illescas" Banco del Pacifico Gallery, Machala, Ecuador
1983
"Hernan Illescas" Municipal Gallery of the Municipality of Cuenca, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" Boulevard Shopping Center Art Gallery, Guayaquil, Ecuador
1982
"Hernan Illescas" Banco del Pacifico Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" La Tienda Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
"Hernan Illescas" House of Culture Nucleus of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
1981
"Hernan Illescas" House of Culture Nucleus of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
INTERNATIONAL ART FAIRS
2023
"Art on Paper Fair," ArteLATAM Gallery, New York, USA
2016
"Arte Quito" International Art Fair, Cultural Center of Pontifical Catholic University, Quito, Ecuador
2015
"Arte Quito" International Art Fair, Cultural Center of Pontifical Catholic University, Quito, Ecuador
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023
"Silk Road Artistic Rendezvous–China Tour for Foreign Artists," Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China (Artist Residence)
"Beast in Flames," Nomadic Biennial, Centrum Sztuki Galeria EL, Elblag, Poland
"That Damn Calm Before the Hurricane," OFF Art Contemporary Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
2022
"Memories of Light," Historical Archive of the Municipality of Loja and the Ecuadorian House of Culture, Quito, Ecuador
"Memories of Light," Historical Archive of the Municipality of Loja and the Ecuadorian House of Culture Nucleus of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
2021
"Resilience in Art," Hernan Illescas Contemporary Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
"Memories of Light," Historical Archive of the Municipality of Loja and the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum, Guayaquil, Ecuador
2019
"Memories of Light," Historical Archive of the Municipality of Loja, Ecuador
2018
"Hernan Illescas" Ecuadorian House of Culture, Imbabura Nucleus, Ibarra, Ecuador
2015
"Festival of Art and Culture of Ecuador," Jadite Galleries, New York, USA
"Sixth International Art Biennial," National Museum, Beijing, PR China
2014
"Ecuador in Focus" OPEC Fund for International Development-OFID and the Permanent Mission of Ecuador to International Organizations in Vienna, Austria
"Latin American Art Festival," Macao, PR China
"Artistic Expressions and Transgressions of Women," House of Posadas, Cuenca, Ecuador
2008
XIX Ibero-American Salon AACIA, Katzen Museum, Washington D.C., USA
"Hernán Illescas," Larrazabal Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
"Hernán Illescas," Remigio Crespo Toral Museum, Cuenca, Ecuador
"Hernán Illescas," Art Gallery of the Municipality of Cuenca, Ecuador
2007
"Regional Exhibition," Ecuadorian Culture House, Matriz, Quito, Ecuador
"Ceres Gallery, New York, NY, USA
2006
"Open-Air Museum," Municipality of Otavalo, Ecuador
"Ceres Gallery, New York, NY, USA
"Hernan Illescas," Hernan Illescas Contemporary Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
2005
"Hernan Illescas," City Museum of Loja, Ecuador
"Latin American Ludic Art Salon," Buenos Aires, Argentina
"National Salon of Painting and Sculpture Mariano Aguilera," Metropolitan Cultural Center, Quito, Ecuador
"Anniversary of El Tiempo Newspaper," Art Gallery of the Municipality of Cuenca, Ecuador
"Hernán Illescas," Art Gallery of the Municipality of Cuenca, Ecuador
"International Painting Exhibition," Azogues, Ecuador
2004
"First Ecuadorian Art Fair," Metrocar, Cuenca
"VIII Contemporary Painting Salon of Latin American Integration," Guayaquil, Ecuador
"Corn Festival," Art Gallery of the Municipality of Cuenca, Ecuador
Central Queens Library Gallery, New York, NY, USA
Hernan Illescas Contemporary Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
Kingman Arts Inn, Quito, Ecuador
2003
Malecón 2000 Foundation, Crystal Urn, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Samuel Menache Gallery, Mexico City, Mexico
Art Gallery of the Municipality of Cuenca, Ecuador
National Salon, Luis A. Martínez, Ambato, Ecuador
2002
Veracruz International Museum, Mexico
Municipal Museum, Guayaquil, Ecuador
2001
Hernan Illescas Contemporary Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
Cultural Center of the Consulate of Ecuador, New York, NY, USA
National Art Salon VII International Biennial, Cuenca, Ecuador
National Salon Luis A. Martínez, Ambato, Ecuador
Hernan Illescas Contemporary Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
Municipal Museum of Guayaquil, Ecuador
1999
Michael Lombardo Art Gallery, New York, NY, USA
House of Galleries, Cuenca, Ecuador
House of Culture, Guayas Nucleus, Guayaquil, Ecuador
October Salon Municipal Museum, Guayaquil, Ecuador
July Salon, Municipal Museum, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Central Bank Itinerant Museum, Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca
1997
Chamber of Commerce, Cuenca
House of Galleries, Cuenca
Municipality of Salinas, Ecuador
1996
National Salon of Painting and Sculpture Mariano Aguilera, Quito, Ecuador
National Salon Luis A. Martínez, Ambato, Ecuador
1995
Larrazabal Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
Second Latin American Meeting Las Peñas, Guayaquil, Ecuador
National Salon of Painting Luis A. Martínez, Ambato
Tiwintza Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
House of Galleries, Cuenca
1994
National Salon of Painting Luis A. Martínez, Ambato, Ecuador
Mascara de Oro Gallery, Quito, Ecuador
Sketch Gallery, Quito, Ecuador
IV Latin American Salon, Machala, Ecuador
1993
Metropolitan Gallery, Quito, Ecuador
August Month of the Arts, Quito, Ecuador
Exhibition Las Cámaras, Quito, Ecuador
Latin American Gallery, Quito, Ecuador
Alliance Française, Cuenca, Ecuador
1992
Exhibition, Ibero-American Archaeology Congress, Cuenca, Ecuador
1991
Puente Roto Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
Major College Popayán, Colombia
St. Thomas Elgin Art Gallery, Toronto, Canada
1990
Lynnwood Arts Center Vancouver, Canada
Burlington Cultural Center Ontario, Canada
Colmin Gallery Montreal, Canada
O'Keefe Center Toronto, Canada
1985
Las Peñas Art Encounter, Guayaquil, Ecuador
House of Culture Nucleus of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
National Salon of Painting and Sculpture Mariano Aguilera, Quito, Ecuador
La Tienda Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
Puente Roto Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
1984
La Tienda Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
House of Culture Nucleus of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
1983
Boulevard Shopping Center, Guayaquil, Ecuador
VII National Salon of Plastic Arts, Cuenca, Ecuador
Manzana Verde Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
La Tienda Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
1982
La Tienda Art Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador
Art Gallery of the Municipality of Cuenca, Ecuador
1981
Art Gallery of the Municipality of Cuenca, Ecuador
House of Culture Nucleus of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
HONORS AND AWARDS
2019 "Hernán Crespo Toral" Insignia, for research, preservation, and dissemination of the cultural heritage of Cuenca, and the appreciation and strengthening of collective memories, Solemn Session, Municipality of Cuenca, Ecuador
2018 Recognition for valuable cultural contribution as performer and founder of the first celebration of TAITA CARNAVAL, Municipality of Sígsig, Ecuador
2017 Recognition as Founding Member and valuable cultural contribution to the Club Estudiantes S.R.C throughout its 40 years of institutional life, Cuenca, Ecuador
2015 Selected as "Master of the Arts," Sixth International Biennial of Beijing, National Museum, Beijing, PR China
2010 Appreciation for valuable support for the development of the Fifth International Classical Guitar Festival, Cuenca, Ecuador
2007 "Cacique Duma" Award, Artistic Merit Decoration, Municipality of Sígsig, Ecuador
2006 Cultural Merit Recognition, Municipality of Otavalo, Ecuador
2006 Designated "Corresponding Member" of the Ecuadorian House of Culture Benjamín Carrión, Azuay Nucleus, Cuenca, Ecuador
2002 Tribute and Gratitude for contribution and donation to the Permanent Collection of the Art Museum, Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador
2001 Third Prize in the Julio Salon-Guayaquil Independence Foundation, Directorate of Culture and Civic Promotion, and Municipal Museum Guayaquil, Ecuador
2000 Honorable Mention and declared "Infante Ad Honorem," Infantry Brigade No.3 "PORTETE," General Command of the Army, Ecuadorian Armed Forces
1998 Fourth Honorable Mention in the XXVIII National Painting Salon Luis A. Martínez, Ambato, Ecuador
1998 First Honorable Mention in the XL October Salon Independence of Guayaquil, Ecuador
1997 Second Prize in the XXXIX October Salon Independence of Guayaquil, Ecuador
1995 Second Prize in the Second Latin American Meeting of Plastic Arts Las Peñas, Guayaquil, Ecuador
1985 Acknowledgment for accredited efficiency and goodwill, Inter-American Bilingual College
1984 THIRD PRIZE in the Fourth "Cuenca Landscape" Painting Contest, Undersecretariat of Culture of Azuay and Rotary Club Tomebamba, Cuenca, Ecuador
1983 FIRST PRIZE in the Third "Cuenca Landscape" Painting Contest, Undersecretariat of Culture of Azuay and the Permanent Committee of the Festivals of Cuenca, Ecuador
RESIDENCIES
"Silk Road Artistic Rendezvous–China Tour for Foreign Artists," Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China (Artist Residence) November 23 to December 3, 2023
ART COLLECTIONS
China International Culture Association
Municipal Museum, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Modern Art Museum, Cuenca, Ecuador
Art Museum, Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador
Ecuadorian House of Culture, Quito, Ecuador
Provincial Court of Justice of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
Governorship of the Province of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
Municipality of Cantón Sígsig, Ecuador
Municipality of Otavalo, Ecuador
National Museum of Ecuador
Metropolitan Cultural Center of Quito
American University Museum at the Katzen Art Center
Cultural Center of Pontifical Catholic University, Quito, Ecuador
Private collections in Canada, United States, Netherlands, Colombia, Ecuador, PR China, Cuba, Italy, Poland, Germany, Spain, Panama, Mexico.
CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIA
Liangzhu Forum, Dialogue of Chinese and International Artist Civilization Exchange and Mutual Learning. Topic: Reflections from Cultural Syncretism, December 2, 2023, Liangzhu, PR China
National University Meeting organized by the Polytechnic University Salesiana (UPS), Polytechnic School of the Litoral (ESPOL), and the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE). Topic: Cultural Management, October 27, 2023, Cuenca, Ecuador
First OFF Contemporary Art Seminar. Topic: Contemporary Art, pedagogy, and creative curation as war machines. (Time of crisis, reflecting from the fissures), (Saturdays, February 11 to March 11, 2023), Cuenca, Ecuador
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Ecuadorian House of Culture, Quito, Ecuador
Founding Member of the Puente Roto Association of Plastic Artists, Cuenca, Ecuador
PUBLIC ART INSTALLATIONS
2015 Mural " Toquilla Straw Hats and their Identity " (ceramic in high relief on concrete), Municipality of Sígsig, Ecuador
2013 Murals "Ages of Justice," (eight canvas, huge sizes) Provincial Court of Justice of the Azuay Province, Cuenca, Azuay
2012 Mural "Identity Arch" (flat ceramic on concrete), Dimensions: 22.96 ft x 459.31 ft. Municipality of Sígsig, Ecuador
2009 Mural "Identity" (ceramic in high relief on concrete), Governorship of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
2007 Mural "Global Warming" (acrylic on canvas) University of Viterbo, La Crosse, WI, USA
2005 Mural "Civic Memorial Route" (flat ceramic on concrete)., Infantry Brigade No.3 "PORTETE," General Command of the Army, Ecuadorian Armed Forces, Portete de Tarqui, Cuenca,
2003 Murals on Identity (ceramic on concrete), Municipality of Sígsig, Ecuador
1992 Inter-American Bilingual Educational High School (wall mural), Cuenca, Ecuador
1992 Murals on Historical Memory, (wall mural) Municipality of Sígsig, Ecuador
1989 "Worker’s Struggle" (wall mural), Workers' Federation of Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
LIVE ART PRESENTATIONS
"Hernán Illescas" University of Viterbo, La Crosse, WI, USA, 2008
GALLERY AFFILIATIONS
Hernán Illescas Contemporary Gallery, Cuenca, Ecuador