Teo San José: The Sculptor of Poems

Teo San José is a sculptor with an idiosyncratic, poetic sense of space and form that transcends the physicality of materials, provoking profound contemplation. As Sculpture Network marks two decades of fostering connections in the world of sculpture, we honor 20 distinguished members whose contributions have shaped contemporary practice and San José is one of them.

Throughout his half-century-long professional life, San José has perfected his artistic vision, creating works that harmonize solidity and void, weight and lightness, serenity and tension. Known as the “Sculptor of Poems”, he views sculpture more than an artistic practice; it is his identity, breath, and life’s project.

Born in Valladolid in 1958, Teo San José’s relationship with sculpture began in childhood when he first experimented with carving stone and wood. He discovered an innate talent for shaping materials, exploring textures, and understanding the transformative potential of matter. However, several circumstances put a hold on his artistic development, and only at the age of 15 could he continue his creative pursuits. After two years of dedicated practice, life took him on a different path, leading him to study industrial engineering in Valladolid and Madrid. As unrelated as it may seem, this technical education gave him an invaluable understanding of materials, physical forces, and balance—all crucial elements that would later shape his sculptural approach.

Over the years, he has worked with a wide range of materials from stone and wood to tree branches, vegetable rope, polyester, paper, cardboard, and, most significantly, steel—stainless, carbon, and corten. His proficiency over steel enables him to sculpt works that poise mass and void, merging solidity and lightness to create dramatic compositions that redefine space. He does not merely craft objects; he creates immersive environments, inviting viewers to experience and interact with his work on a deeper level.

One of the most distinctive aspects of his work is the integration of poetry. Each of his sculptures is accompanied by a poem—written only after the sculpture’s completion—encapsulating its essence and conveying the emotions embedded within its form. This interplay between the literary and the visual renders a multilayered experience for the audience, allowing them to engage with his work not just through sight and touch but also through language and meaning. The sculptural poem becomes a bridge between the material and immaterial, reaffirming the meditative quality of his creations. His ability to infuse his works with an ethereal quality, despite their material robustness, is a defining characteristic of his artistic practice.

San José’s artistic vision has always been deeply rooted in his desire to create spaces of dialogue—not only in terms of physical environments but also in the metaphorical sense of sparking introspection and emotional engagement. His sculptures transcend standardized exhibition spaces, instead finding their own places and their own viewers. His work is present in public and private collections across Spain, France, Mexico, the USA, China, Dubai, and England, a testament to his global artistic influence and to inspiring artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.

His international acclaim started in 2007 when he became the first Spanish sculptor to receive the Royal British Society of Sculptors' prestigious Sculpture Forecourt award in London. This was after he was chosen to showcase his works at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2006 together with the world-famous artist Antoni Tàpies. In that exhibition the BBC released a documentary in which Teo San José's sculpture ‘El pájaro de Fuego’ was chosen by an international jury as one of the 3 most outstanding works of the exhibition. These early achievements cemented his reputation as an artist whose work breaks away from the conventions and challenges perceptions.

Since then, his accolades have continued to grow, with awards such as the Greater Than Dhad Award in Saudi Arabia (2023), the UBE Japan Biennial Award (2021), an Honourable Mention at the V Biennial International Ciutat Vella in Valencia (2021), and the Medal and Diploma of the VII Salón de Arte Abstracto de Madrid (2022). These recognitions underscore his ability to create work that resonates across cultures and geographies, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in contemporary sculpture.

In 2025, Teo San José’s devotion to sculpture has been further recognized with two prestigious international awards: Public Sculpture Artist of the Year by LUXlife Magazine (London, UK) and The Premier Artist Prize 2025 by the international art gallery Contemporary Art Station. These honors affirm his impact on the world of public sculpture, acknowledging his ability to shape contemporary artistic landscapes.

In addition, he will present his work at World Art Dubai 2025 with a dedicated stand, marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey. Viewing this event, set to take place from April 17 to 20, as a pivotal opportunity, he describes it as a major step toward expanding his presence in the Asian art scene.

San José values his membership in the Sculpture Network as a means of fostering international bonds among sculptors and collectors. “...this association has given me the feeling of being connected to the world of sculpture and trusting in its promotion, and spreading my work.” he says. His involvement illustrates the spirit of Sculpture Network—an organization dedicated to elevating sculpture’s role in contemporary art and society. Through this network, he continues to engage with fellow artists, exchange ideas, and contribute to the ongoing discourse on sculpture as a medium of creative communication.

As Teo San José forges ahead in his creative journey, his work stands as a testament to the transformative power of sculpture in fostering peace, dialogue, and expression. His career, defined by innovation and global recognition, serves as an inspiration for aspiring sculptors. His sculptural poems, eloquently capturing the intersection of art, space, and human emotion, resonate with his unique artistic voice. Sculpture Network is pleased to celebrate San José’s achievements as we commemorate 20 years of supporting and connecting artists, organisations, art professionals and art lovers interested in three-dimensional art across Europe and beyond.

Zeynep wrote the article in English.