Jesus Urbano

handcrafted Andean retablo dioramas

"I was born in 1929 in Huanta, Ayacucho. My parents were farmers and my father was a strict man. So ... read more

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Preserving Traditions Jesus learned the art of retablo sculpture from Peruvian master artisan Joaquin Lopez de Antay. In turn, he has passed this knowledge to his wife, daughter and nephew who work alongside him in his family workshop. Retablos are one of the most popular Peruvian art forms. They recount the spirit and traditions of Andean culture in dynamic hand-modeled dioramas that capture the mundane and magical moments that define lives. Award Winning Jesus has received the Amauta de la Artesania Peruana. It is a prestigious award given not only to those who are master craftspeople but to those who have shared their craft with the next generation. Media Featured Jesus Urbano's work has been featured in the most important Peruvian national newspapers and he has received international media coverage. Elder Master This artist is an elder master and continues to actively practice their craft.

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Jesus Urbano handcrafted Andean retablo dioramas

"I was born in 1929 in Huanta, Ayacucho. My parents were farmers and my father was a strict man. So I left home to live in the beautiful city of Huamanga, where I took a variety of jobs, from selling shaved ice cones to working as a gardener, which led me to meet master artisan Joaquin Lopez. He crafted retablos — dioramas illustrating life in the Andes using small, hand-modeled figurines housed in a colorful, hand-painted display box.

"I asked him to teach me his craft, but he didn't want to at first. Thanks to his wife, he finally accepted as a helper. Little by little, I learned by watching. Later, with the help of Joaquin's son, I perfected my technique and eventually began to create my own pieces and designs.

"When I finally mastered the technique, Mr. Joaquin mentored me and even became my friend. His friendship meant a great deal to me.

"I think the roughest time in my life was when I had to leave my beloved in the 1980s Ayacucho due to terrorism.

"I'd describe my art as charming. It is a reflection of life in the Andes — its people and towns. I love to share these glimpses of Peru, and it motivates me to know that people in different countries appreciate my work and keep it in their homes.

"Crafting retablos is the perfect complement to my life. It fills me with satisfaction when I finish a new design."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

"I asked him to teach me his craft, but he didn't want to at first. Thanks to his wife, he finally accepted as a helper. Little by little, I learned by watching. Later, with the help of Joaquin's son, I perfected my technique and eventually began to create my own pieces and designs.

"When I finally mastered the technique, Mr. Joaquin mentored me and even became my friend. His friendship meant a great deal to me.

"I think the roughest time in my life was when I had to leave my beloved in the 1980s Ayacucho due to terrorism.

"I'd describe my art as charming. It is a reflection of life in the Andes — its people and towns. I love to share these glimpses of Peru, and it motivates me to know that people in different countries appreciate my work and keep it in their homes.

"Crafting retablos is the perfect complement to my life. It fills me with satisfaction when I finish a new design."

The Andes Fulfillment Hub

Explore the Andes region, once home to the Inca, Wari, Chavin and other ancient empires. Today, the influences of these ancient civilizations can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that artisans use to create the vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of this colorful Latin land.

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Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

Jesus learned the art of retablo sculpture from Peruvian master artisan Joaquin Lopez de Antay. In turn, he has passed this knowledge to his wife, daughter and nephew who work alongside him in his family workshop. Retablos are one of the most popular Peruvian art forms. They recount the spirit and traditions of Andean culture in dynamic hand-modeled dioramas that capture the mundane and magical moments that define lives.

Maker BadgeAward Winning

Jesus has received the Amauta de la Artesania Peruana. It is a prestigious award given not only to those who are master craftspeople but to those who have shared their craft with the next generation.

Maker BadgeMedia Featured

Jesus Urbano's work has been featured in the most important Peruvian national newspapers and he has received international media coverage.

Maker BadgeElder Master

This artist is an elder master and continues to actively practice their craft.

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