El Jardinero, 2001
Mauricio Robalino
American Ecuadorian (born 1953)
Location: Truman Campus, Federal Way
About the Artwork
Artist Mauricio Robalino created the painting El Jardinero as a celebration of earth's bounty. The vibrant imagery references Robalino's childhood in Ecuador and pays homage to his grandparents. He notes "both of my grandfathers were avid and talented gardeners who cherished growing plants from all over the world in their gardens in Quito, Ecuador known as the land of eternal spring, sitting at 9,000 feet on the Equator."
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Federal Way Public Schools.
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.