José Luis Ceña was born in Malaga in 1982. At the age of 15 he moved to Madrid where he graduated in Fine Arts from the Complutense University of Madrid. In 2001 he received a scholarship from the Royal Casa de la Moneda for the expansion of his studies into the disciplines of engraving and graphic design. Training in these fields allowed him to investigate resources and tools that, although alien to traditional painting, are incorporated into his creative process, giving his work a unique quality.

 

Part of his iconography arises from thoughts based on books or experiences that he needs to represent in order to be remembered. Unlike photographs which are used to immortalise a moment, his paintings revolve around the development of an action. Open compositions and silhouettes symbolise something that is, was or could be at a certain time and place.

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His works carry a mystery and romanticism that invites contemplation by suggesting a hidden reality rather than evoking a message in a direct way.