While living in Mexico City, I was fortunate enough to explore and enjoy many of the beautiful museums, art exhibitions, and cultural activities the city had to offer.  One such exhibit was the one that presented the works of Costa Rican sculptor Jorge Jimenez Martinez, “Deredia,” along Mexico City’s famous Paseo de La Reforma.   His works are captivating, and having had the opportunity to view his work and listen to his symphony was a refreshing experience. 

According to his biography, Deredia’s journey through the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara and the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Florence profoundly shaped his artistic path.  Immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Florence, his approach to the work of art underwent a transformative evolution.  Mainly influenced by the Renaissance period, Deredia’s intellectual stimulation of those years propelled him towards a new perception of life and a globalizing vision of “Being” and the universe.

During this time, his fascination with Costa Rican culture, especially the enigmatic pre-Columbian spheres of the ancient Boruca, took root.  These mysterious artifacts became a catalyst for his studies on shape, materials, function, and symbolism, particularly surrounding the sphere and circle.  This phase of artistic rejuvenation was marked by the adoption of his stage name, Deredia, a contraction of “de-Heredia,” paying homage to his hometown.

I hope my humble representation of his work meets Deredia’s approval if he stumbles onto my page one day.