Rubén Martínez Bulnes (born July 7, 1929) is a Salvadoran architect and sculptor. He is considered the author of the country's most prolific sculptural art.

Early life

His interest in art began in his infancy. As a young person he wanted to become an architect, but he ended up studying civil engineering like his father.El Faro
Plática con Rubén Martínez
/ref> His career as a sculptor began when he collected metallic remains from the place where he studied. He received his first instruction from welders.

Career

The predominant material in his creations are metals and Forging, forged iron,MARTE
Rubén Martínez
/ref> which are sculpted in a range of abstract forms. Important pieces of the Salvadoran nation were made by him, among them the Monument of the Constitution (), the Monument of Peace (), and the sculptures of José Simeón Cañas, exhibited in the national Museum of art, and José Matías Delgado, located in the parque San José in San Salvador.Declaran “Notable Escultor de El Salvador” al Arquitecto Rubén Martínez Bulnes
/ref> He has worked in gardening, painting, drawing, landscaping, Glass working, glass work, Restoration (cultural heritage), restoration and music. His most important architectural work is the Iglesia El Rosario, located in the Historical Center of San Salvador. The church is in a modernist style with a European influence. Inside are some of his iron sculptures and glass work, as well as a symmetrical form which has no pillars so as to not create obstacles for the altar.El Diario de Hoy
El legado religioso de Rubén Martínez
/ref> Despite criticism for the structure's design, he received support from the Dominican order, Dominicans who were in charge of the church. Other examples of his religious works are the templos del Perpetuo Socorro, la Transfiguración and San José de la Montaña.

Recognition

In November 2012 he was recognized as Notable sculptor of El Salvador by the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador, Legislative Assembly. In April 2018 he was named Merited Son of San Salvador () by the Alcaldía of San Salvador in honor of his work.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Martinez Bulnes, Rubén 1929 births Living people People from San Salvador Salvadoran architects Salvadoran sculptors