David Dagaro, or simply Dagaro, is a sculptor based in the Balearic Islands, working out of Palma de Mallorca, Spain. With a career spanning over 45 years, Dagaro has honed a unique approach to sculpture that incorporates natural elements into great designs, shaping and casting pieces that engage the senses with their tactile and organic feel.
Dagaro’s background in art traces back to his studies at the Temesburg People’s Academy of Art, where he learned foundational techniques and began exploring the potential of different materials. He eventually began experimenting with various media, including metals, resins, and woods. But his preferred material remains steel, which he shapes with great precision and artistic intent.
A defining feature of Dagaro’s work is his intricate use of steel threads, which he molds and weaves into forms before joining them together. This process is delicate and requires a meticulous hand. Once he’s satisfied with a piece, he often casts it in bronze, a material known for its durability and timeless appeal, though he sometimes uses silver for pieces where he feels a lighter touch is necessary. This casting process preserves the original shape of the steel, capturing its fluidity and intricate detail in a final, solid form.
Beyond the metal, Dagaro has a particular fascination with natural stones, which he carefully selects and incorporates into his sculptures. These stones, chosen from his surroundings in Mallorca and other locations he visits, are not mere decorations; they are central to the story of each piece. Dagaro’s stones are carefully embedded within the steel framework, creating a contrast between the smooth surfaces of the stone and the angular threads of metal. The natural texture of each stone brings out a sense of harmony, a balance between the organic and the industrial, the enduring and the ephemeral.
This combination of metal and stone lends his sculptures a tactile quality that draws people in. Dagaro’s work is often showcased at exhibitions, both in person and online. He notes that visitors, whether local to Mallorca or from around the world, are captivated by his unique technique. These exhibitions offer a chance for people to engage with his work up close, feeling the contrast between the cool, polished stone and the rough, structured steel.
Dagaro’s process is as much about technique as it is about storytelling. His use of materials and his chosen methods allow him to connect with a wide audience, some of whom are attracted to the craftsmanship of the metalwork, while others are drawn in by the symbolism of the stones. His sculptures seem to have a timeless quality, a groundedness that reflects the Balearic landscape and his years of experience in the field.
While many sculptors focus solely on shape or form, Dagaro’s art goes a step further, engaging viewers through texture and an interplay between natural and man-made elements. The stones he incorporates are not just chosen for their aesthetic appeal; they are selected for their energy and essence, which, he believes, adds an extra layer of meaning to his work. His sculptures aren’t simply objects to admire from a distance; they invite touch and interaction, allowing people to experience the work fully.
Dagaro’s commitment to his art form has made him a respected artist in his field. His exhibitions have been well-received, with visitors often remarking on the harmony and balance he achieves between the different materials. For Dagaro, these pieces are not just art; they are expressions of a lifelong journey, one that bridges the natural and the constructed worlds in a way that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.
The virtual space has also offered Dagaro new ways to connect with audiences. Through online platforms, he’s been able to share his work with a broader audience, allowing people from around the globe to see and appreciate the unique elements of his sculptures. This access has been a gratifying addition to his practice, as he continues to share his techniques and approach with anyone interested in his work.
In a world where art is constantly evolving, Dagaro’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of material and craftsmanship. His commitment to his process and his careful selection of natural elements allow him to create sculptures that resonate on multiple levels. Each piece tells a story not only of the artist’s vision but of the materials themselves, combined in a way that feels timeless and grounded. Through his work, Dagaro continues to push the boundaries of what sculpture can be, creating pieces that are as much a part of nature as they are works of art.
