Chilean Artist inspired by Wellington coastline
Emerging Chilean Artist, Ronal Villalobos will host his first exhibition, Playa Designs, at Thistle Hall on Cuba Street from 19 -25 November 2012.
Ronal is the founder of Playa Designs, and the creator and designer of a range of unique driftwood sculptures, mosaics,
drawings and artwork. Ronal draws his inspiration from the coast, the beach, his native Chile and new home, Wellington.
In Spanish, “playa” means beach.
“My work comes from what I see in each piece of driftwood, shell or glass. I look at what the sea has gifted and the
piece begins to take shape,” Ronal says.
Every single artwork Ronal designs is original; handmade from recycled, natural materials sourced regularly from
Wellington’s beaches. Migrating from Chile in 2005, Ronal says much of his artwork has been inspired by New Zealand and
its beaches.
“I originally started creating these pieces about eight years ago, always gathering materials from the beach in my
village. Then, when I came to New Zealand, I continued my artwork but my new environment took my work in a new
direction,” Ronal says.
Creator of over 200 individual pieces of artwork to date, most of Ronal’s sculptures are made from driftwood, stone,
shells, and sea glass. He has worked on this collection for a number of years and this is his inaugural exhibition.
“l have wanted to exhibit my artwork to the public for quite some time and hope people will enjoy seeing my work as much
as I’ve enjoyed creating it.” Ronal’s unique artworks are available for purchase and commissions are welcome.
Members of the general public are welcome to attend the Playa Designs exhibition opening on 19 November, from 6pm. The
exhibition will run until 25 November.
November 19-25th, 2012
Thistle Hall Gallery, 293 Cuba Street, Te Aro.
Hours: 9am-6pm daily
ENDS