Victor Garcia Villalgordo

Wood sculptor

A lifetime of sculpting religious realism

Victor is highly recognised in Andalusia and Spain for his sculptures of religious figures
His mastery of polychrome techniques bring a truly realistic finish to his work
He creates sculptures for worship in religious street processions, church altars and public spaces

Victor Garcia Villalgordo has been devoted to sculpting and painting religious statues since he was 13 years old. He went to arts school in Alicante and practised in workshops with master artisans. It was in Seville that he learnt the chemistry and preparation of the materials applied to polychrome sculpture for which he is known. “In Spain, there is no high quality stone for carving like in Italy or France, so here we developed the technique of wood polychromy,” he explains. Victor applies techniques and materials similar to those used 500 years ago, albeit with some modern processes. Currently working on commissioned pieces for places of cultural importance and altars in large churches and monasteries, he is also invested in passing on his savoir-faire to his fellow, as part of Michelangelo Foundation’s Homo Faber Fellowship 2024-25.

Interview

Is it difficult to find apprentices willing to learn your craft?: My workshop is open to all. Most people usually want to learn only one part of my work such as modelling, carving, drawing or painting. Juanma, my fellow who applied with me for the Homo Faber Fellowship, is interested in learning the full process.
How would you best describe your work as a religious sculptor?: My clients are mainly from my region, although my reach is national. Beyond beauty, my sculptures have a spiritual, emotional and didactic function. So, I put tradition and what is shared by the Christian community of devotees before my artistic ambitions in my approach to my craft.
Where do you seek inspiration for your statues?: I am inspired by the people around me, their features and anatomy. From the ugly to the beautiful. Art historians who see my work can link the physiognomy of my sculptures to the features of the people in this region which I take into account when looking for models.
Is the future of iconic religious sculptures under threat?: Religious imagery is experiencing a revival in recent decades so I am confident for the future. However, there is a very delicate ecosystem around this craft, integrating other crafts such as gilding, embroidery, goldsmithing, silversmithing which needs to cared for.

Victor Garcia Villalgordo is a master artisan: he began his career in 1996 and he started teaching in 1996