Damian Talavera (b. 1984) is a sculptor that specializes in using wood, stone, and metal as his mediums. Born in Ixtanyolha and raised in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, he began studying sculpture with Swiss artist Federico Burkha, and later received his BFA in sculpture from the University of the Arts London.

His works convey themes of organic shapes, inspired by the beauty and mystery of nature, as well as the human form in abstracted and surrealist expressions. The exploration of material takes priority in his practice, letting each sculpture emerge from the natural composition of the mediums he’s working with.

Talavera’s creative process is spontaneous and free, allowing himself to be responsive to the physicality of each material, leaving the initial vision and prospective outcome flexible and open to change. This invokes an intimate dialogue with the material, where every new mark paves the way for the next step, and every decision is guided by intuition.

Detailed craftsmanship is a cornerstone of his work, highlighting the quality of curves, textures, and proportions which reveal deeper meanings through a unique visual language intended to transmit a sense of wonder to the viewer.