Rocio Urquijo


Roco Urquijo was a Spanish artist and first wife of Filipino industrialist Enrique J. Zobel.

Biography

Rocio Novales Urquijo-Zobel was born to Rosario Novales and Francisco Urquijo. She married the Filipino industrialist and former of the Ayala Corporation, Enrizue J. Zobel, with whom she had two children, Iñigo U. Zobel and Mercedes U. Zobel.

Art

Inspiration

Urquijo's works have taken inspiration from the interior design, architecture, and folk arts of Indonesia, Sumatra, Mexico, and various parts of South America and Europe which she encountered during her frequent travels. Her geometric designs were inspired by the carved and painted doors that are commonly found in Sumatra and Bali. The series Oaxaca was influenced by the designs of the Maya.
Urquijo's mixed media works are typically minimal, using strong geometric shapes and a vivid colour palette.

Studies

Exhibitions

Urquijo exhibited in galleries in Spain, Venezuela, New York City, Singapore, the Philippines, Morocco, and Italy. Her artwork is in public and private collections worldwide.

Solo exhibitions

Group exhibitions

Awards

  • 1970: 1st Prize, Etching, II Print Bienale, Kraków, Poland
  • 1971: 1st Prize, Etching, Información de Turisimo, Valencia, Spain
  • 1972: 1st Prize, Etching, Becados del Washington Irving Institute, Madrid, Spain
She has also been recognised as an exceptional and gifted artist.