“His work reveals that not only by manifesting the meaning one gives to the present can one make the past speak”
— Kosme de Barañano on Gonzalo Fonseca
Gonzalo Fonseca (b. 1922, Montevideo, Uruguay - d. 1997, Seravezza, Italy) was a pioneering artist known for redefining sculpture as a microcosmic exploration of civilization. Working primarily with found stone, Fonseca considered nature, time, and chance as integral collaborators. A Modernist, he incorporated global influences from extensive travels into his work.
Fonseca's early years included a stint in the studio of Joaquín Torres-García, and later, he produced significant public works in the United States and Mexico. He divided his later years between studios in New York and Italy, personally carving stones without assistance. Fonseca's legacy extends beyond sculpture, including his contributions as a draftsman and illustrator of literary works.