Abel Zavala (b. 1986) is a Mexican artist and ceramist born in Xalapa, Veracruz. His work is inspired by the nature that surrounds him; he is always carefully watching the behavior of plants that later interprets in ceramic sculptures and installations.
His pieces invite to do a sensory reading, as Zavala is always seeking to exalt the language of materials through simple objects, giving special importance to the material properties, such as textures and colors of local clays –that sometimes he extracts from the mountain–, the whiteness of the porcelain, the metallic aspect of the iron or cobalt oxides and the surprise that comes from the fire.
All of his unique pieces are made of natural porcelain or high-temperature ceramic mixed with dark pigments and oxides. His process starts with ceramic plaques to which he gives shape and then decorates meticulously with sculptural tools or his invention using sticks, metal gouges or brushes. Once ready, the pieces go through a first firing. Then the oxides are carefully applied before going through the second and final firing in the kiln.
Increasing the reach in collectible Latin American design, ammann//gallery started to work with Zavala in 2015 and is showing is works regulary at the most important art and design fairs around the globe.