Fernando Malo

Ceramicist

The 21st century mudéjar ceramicist

Fernando is a specialist in the art of mudéjar ceramics
He creates new pieces and restores historic buildings
Sharing his craft is his mission

To speak of azulejos (glazed and coloured tiles) and mudéjar art is to contemplate one of the oldest traditions in the history of Spain. Fernando Malo’s inspiration comes from this past, but his aim is to make it relevant nowadays. His body of work merges the aesthetics of centuries-old Islamic art in the Iberian peninsula with elements of contemporary art in what he calls 21st century mudéjar. He focuses on azulejos and ceramics, as well as the creation of tile murals and the restoration of historic buildings. His workshop is where it all comes together, where he draws on his inspirations – which include nature and landscape – to create work with passion, care and colour.

Interview

How would you define what you make?: I work on one-of-a-kind pieces, artistic pottery and the restoration of ceramics of the mudéjar era. I am inspired by the traditional patterns of the 15th and 16th centuries but I look at them with a contemporary eye, through the use of new materials and different colours like cobalt blue, red and yellow.
How does it feel to restore a historic building?: Emotions are very powerful when undertaking the restoration of something like the Sala de los Reyes in the Alhambra, Granada. You feel transported back to when it was built, you try to identify the techniques of yesteryear, and suddenly you feel the luxury and privilege of leaving a mark through your craft.
What fascinates you most about ceramics?: The alchemy involved in it. The process of transformation involving earth, water and fire – it's almost magic. This is why I believe that more has to be done to educate the public. When I meet children, but also adults, they are so excited to even touch clay, and then by the whole creation process.
How important is teamwork in large scale projects?: In my workshop I have trained apprentices from all over the world, and when it comes to large scale commissions, it all comes down to teamwork. You share and learn from each other, there is mutual and constant exchange, you inspire each other and give a soul to your work.

Fernando Malo is a master artisan: he began his career in 1980 and he started teaching in 1992