Moroles Jesús
Jesús Bautista Moroles was born on September 22, 1950, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He displayed an early interest in art, which would eventually lead to a celebrated career as a sculptor. Moroles pursued formal education in the arts, earning an associate degree from El Centro College in Dallas, Texas, in 1975. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas in 1978. During his studies, he apprenticed with sculptor Luis Jiménez, which greatly influenced his artistic development.
After completing his education, Moroles spent a year in Italy in 1980, where he was profoundly inspired by the marble-carving techniques he observed. This experience solidified his choice to focus on stone, particularly granite, as his primary artistic medium. Returning to Texas, he established his studio and workshop in Rockport, where he crafted monumental abstract granite sculptures.
Moroles’s career was marked by numerous significant achievements and commissioned works. One of his first major commissions was the “Floating Mesa Fountain” for the Albuquerque Museum. In 1987, he created “Lapstrake” for CBS Plaza in New York City, a piece that remains one of his best-known works. His largest creation is the Houston Police Officer’s Memorial, installed in 1990, which showcases his ability to integrate art within public spaces.
Throughout his career, Moroles produced over two thousand works, held in collections across the United States and internationally, including countries such as China, Egypt, France, Italy, Japan, and Switzerland. His works are displayed in prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian Institution, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Moroles’s art is characterized by the harmonious coexistence of polished and natural granite surfaces. He described his sculptures as a “discussion” on the interaction between man and nature, encouraging viewers not just to observe but to engage physically with the diverse textures he created. His approach involved using diamond saws to cut granite, a testament to his dedication to mastering his chosen medium.
In 2008, Moroles was honored with the National Medal of Arts, recognizing his contributions to the field of sculpture and his impact on American art.
Jesús Moroles passed away in a car accident on June 15, 2015, near Jarrell, Texas. At the time of his death, he was deeply involved in mentoring students through an internship program at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. He also served as artist-in-residence and primary designer for the university’s Coming Together Park.
In a fitting tribute to his legacy, the Dallas Independent School District voted to rename the Sidney Lanier Expressive Arts Vanguard School in West Dallas in his honor, effective from fall 2021. The school renaming reflects Moroles’s lasting influence and connection to the community.
Through his art, Jesús Bautista Moroles continues to inspire future generations, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, innovation, and dedication to the arts.
