José Unda

José Unda (1948-Present) is an esteemed abstract expressionist living in Toronto (Canada) and Quito (Ecuador), who has captured art collectors' curiosity and admiration for more than 6 decades.

Having exhibited in 10 countries, José’s art has been featured in several art books, and he has sold his work to renowned art collectors including Luciano Benetton of The United Colors of Benetton company in Italy. José has exhibited with Christopher Cutts Gallery in Toronto and was in a group show in the 1990’s with Ray Mead of the Painters Eleven. Another notable earlier career highlight, prior to his moving to Toronto, includes his participation in 1969 in a seminal ‘anti-show’ that transformed Ecuadoran artistic modernity – the “Anti-Salon,” led by ‘Cuatro Mosqueteros’ - a group of which he is a part.     

Today, José’s work appears periodically in galleries in Canada, Spain, Italy, Germany, the United States, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Ecuador. Spending time in different places has given him a unique perspective on the world and serves to influence his constant growth as an established master of abstract expressionism. You can see how his roots have made an impact his artwork, where he often represents indigenous and philosophical cosmopolitan themes.  

José’s medium of preference is painting with mixed media.  He paints predominantly on canvas and paper with amazing results.  He uses acrylics, oils, pastels and pencils to create his work. José sprays paint directly on the paper or canvas and works with tools he created. He paints by series and gives each grouping of original artworks a singular name.

For discerning art buyers who wish to bring contemplation into their lives, Unda’s works abound with endless signs. The harmonious symbols he manifests are both a reflection of his affinity for art as a form of therapy, and a blending of oriental philosophies with his Latin American ancestry.

"Unda’s abstraction rises like a star with an infinity of edges and lights, and sinks forever into the canon of Latin American art. “ -  Ecuadorian author Marco Antonio Rodriquez.