A Retrospective 1956-2024

(Hardback)

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Description

Rafael Villamil A Retrospective 1956-2024 is an intimate portrait of a renaissance artist/architect from Puerto Rico as told through his artistic and architectural work, drawings, studies, press and personal letters divided into two sections (Art and Architecture). The ART section is a dedicated to his paintings, process, and practice. The ARCHITECTURE section features iconic buildings he has worked on with others like Louis Kahn.

Reviews

"One of the most important ARTISTs / ARCHITECTs of the last century and, you probably never heard of him" - Nathaniel Kahn (Academy Award winning filmmaker and son of Famed Architect Louis Kahn.)

Author Bio

Rafael Villamil was born and raised in Miramar, Puerto Rico. He started making art at his Catholic elementary school creating religious banners: Mostly because it got me out of gym. Villamil became adept at copying religious scenes and developed as a skilled draftsman. He later was inspired by a house at the head of his street that was a replica of a Frank Lloyd Wright home. He studied Architecture at Georgia Tech. He received his license and returned PR to work with Henry Klumb the former head draftsman for Frank Lloyd Wright who settled in PR. He was still making art during this time and had his first show at the University of PR in 1961. The show became controversial sparking protests fanned by the local newspapers not because of any perceived obscenity but, because the work was displayed on construction forms provided by Villamil. In 1963, with a recommendation from Henry Klumb, Villamil moves to Philadelphia to start working with famed architect Louis Kahn. At the same time, he was garnering attention as a visual artist. He never stopped creating art but his profile as an architect was well on the rise. He moved from under the shadow of Kahn but, retained a strong friendship with him and his family. He also taught Art and Architecture during this time. Villamil was working as an independent consultant until settling into a partnership with Mirick, Pearson,Batcheler & Ilvonen. He later left them to pursue his own practice. He has to date was won multiple awards and citations throughout his career. EL MUSEO DE ARTE CONTEMPORNEO DE PUERTO RICO did a massive retrospective of his work dedicating the entire museum to the exhibition. Villamil is 89 and is currently still creating in the now landmarked house he designed and built for his family in 1982.