Architect-turned-artisan Luis Ignacio Figallo is a tastemaker for the ages.
Written by: Sebastian Phillips
In a city like Miami, where what’s new, now, and next take precedence in matters of design, architect Luis Ignacio Figallo is somewhat of an outlier—a modern aesthete with a taste for the classics. How else could one describe BAS Atelier, a studio dedicated to the ancient decorative technique of bas-relief guided by Figallo’s forward-thinking sensibilities?
“The idea emerged from my fascination with light, texture, and form, elements that lie at the center of our connection to both the natural and built environment,” says the Cooper Union graduate. “Bas relief stands as one of humanity’s earliest forms of artistic expression, dating back as far as 30,000 years ago. Throughout those years it has evolved into a diverse range of sculptural expressions.”
Figallo’s contributions to the art form continue to add to that diversity: “In my work, I aim to channel my passion for nature through this medium, creating a contemporary yet enduring aesthetic that, through its relationship with light, speaks to the passage of time.”
At BAS Atelier’s Bird Road Arts District space, Figallo and his artisans create textured, three-dimensional canvases of abstraction that begin as freehand sketches that are later brought to life with recycled wood and plaster-based limewash paint. It’s a time-consuming, hands-on, messy process that requires both patience and skill. “Materiality plays a pivotal role in the artwork,” says Figallo. “I’m drawn to this medium not just for its aesthetic qualities, but also for its breathability and ability to age gracefully, developing a beautiful patina over time. The careful application of limewash layers onto the bas-reliefs creates nuanced textures that allow viewers to appreciate the delicate interactions of light over the carved wood planes. The outcome is a series of elemental explorations into composition, structure, and dimensionality, yielding abstract landscapes that emanate and undulate with the interplay of light.”
Inspiration is fluid and can come from anywhere. “My latest works were inspired by the nuanced patterns found in eroded natural and urban environments,” says Figallo. “Each element and shape seek to create a visual and formal balance bridging the transient with the terrestrial.”
Currently focused on a series titled “Figure/Ground,” which embraces a much “freer sculptural language,” Figallo is charged with his studio’s next chapter. “Bas-relief is a truly rich medium, with endless possibilities and formal expressions,” he says. “I’m really looking forward to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in wall sculpture.” | basatelier.com
