José Lamiel Asensio (1924-2020) born in Calanda, Teruel, Spain, was an accomplished Spanish painter and sculptor whose works spanned various mediums and themes. His early education began at the School of Applied Arts and Crafts in Zaragoza, and a scholarship allowed him to continue his studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Carlos in Valencia, and later at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid. Throughout his life, Lamiel Asensio developed a unique artistic personality that blended social commentary with a primitive stylistic approach, often featuring melancholic figures and elongated anatomies.
In the 1960s, Lamiel Asensio moved to Colombia, where he lived for six years, beginning his work as a sculptor in 1941 with materials like bronze, pink stone, and apiary stone. By 1962, he had also embraced painting, focusing on traditional genres with themes of maternity, children, female nudes, and portraits. His works conveyed a deep sense of solitude, introspection, and social reflection. After his time in Colombia, Lamiel Asensio continued his artistic journey in the United States before returning to Spain, where he set up residence in Alcalá de Henares and remained active in both painting and sculpture.
Lamiel Asensio’s work was recognized internationally, with multiple prestigious awards throughout his career. In 1961, he received the Cervantes Prize for Painting, followed by the Solivia Prize in 1966 at the 1st Hispano-American Biennale in Madrid. He went on to win numerous other accolades, including the Diploma at the III International Grand Prix of Etena City Exhibition Palace in Rome (1972), the Diploma at the Deauville International Exhibition in France (1972), and the First International Grand Prix of Cannes and the Medal of Saint Paul of Venice in 1973. His sculptures and paintings were exhibited in major international venues, earning him numerous honors such as the Bronze and Silver Medals at the International Salons of Marseille and Aix en Provence. In 1989, Lamiel Asensio was awarded the Cross of Saint George by the Provincial Council of Teruel. His works have gone up for auction 65 times, with pieces sold in various categories, reflecting his continued relevance in the art market.
