Artwork copyright Mauricio Robalino. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Mauricio Robalino. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Visiting Friends At Sea, 1990

Mauricio Robalino
(American | Ecuadorian, born 1953)

Location: Office of the Washington State Auditor, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Mauricio Robalino based his fantastical painting 'Visiting Friends at Sea' on two important moments in his life. He states, “The first took place when I was seven or eight years old. A photograph was taken of me bringing a bouquet to my mother. I do not know where the photograph is now but the image will forever live in my memory and be celebrated in my Art. The other event celebrated in this picture is the time I spent in Cuyabeno National Park in the Amazon rain forest of Ecuador. During the winter season, the rainfall is such that vast areas flood and become great and beautiful lakes. The only way to get around is by dugout canoe powered by paddles and small gasoline engine. It is a wonderful and peaceful place filled with birds, monkeys, fish, snakes, caimans, felines, sloths, etc., etc., etc. “

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Yakima School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mauricio Robalino creates colorful and whimsical artworks using a variety of materials, especially mosaics. His artworks are inspired by multicultural artistic traditions. In his own words, "My art is a celebration of life, nature, and hope."

Robalino was born and grew up in Ecuador. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1983 and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1988. He is based in Tacoma, Western Washington.