A self-taught artist recreates childhood summers in stone

Juan Miguel Quiñones, who describes himself as an artist rather than sculptor, presents Al Origen (To the Origin) at Estepona’s Centro Cultural Mirador del Carmen until 14 December. The exhibition was curated jointly by Flor Reiners and Mariella Franconi. It explores his journey from Vejer de la Frontera in Spain to Estepona. He moved there aged six, and found his passion for the ocean.

Three themed rooms are used to reflect his experiences as a child. The Sea Room represents his transition from inland to coastal life. Sala Mar y Sierra, a sea and mountain room, recreates his childhood in the neighbourhood he grew-up, with toys, surfing boards, and gaming references. Sala Cuando Calienta el Sol is the last space and celebrates everlasting summer with a 3,000-kilogram marble ice cream statue.

Over 180 pieces are on display, including marble, travertine and alabaster as well as precious stones such a quartz, granite, lapis lazuli and onyx. Quiñones employs various techniques, from diamond saw cutting to Renaissance-style inlay work, reflecting his deep admiration for masters like Bernini, Michelangelo, and particularly Spanish architect Andrés de Vandelvira.

Self-taught and passionate about Renaissance art, Quiñones works from his small Estepona workshop creating these unique interpretations of everyday summer objects. With growing international recognition-including an upcoming participation in Korea’s Art Fair-he remains humble about his success, describing himself as simply someone who works tirelessly in his workshop.

The exhibition transforms everyday objects into lasting artistic moments. It captures the essence of summers spent on the Mediterranean coast as a child and life along its shores through monumental stone statues.