Illustrator Nominee: Mexico

Mauricio Gómez Morín Fuentes
Mexico, Illustrator

Born in México City in 1956, Mauricio Gómez Morín Fuentes studied engraving and lithography at the Molino de Santo Domingo. At the same time he developed an interest in the Mexican tradition of graphic art and subsequently became part of the Frente Mexicano de Trabajadores de la Cultura.

From 1980 to 1990 he taught in the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana at Xochimilco, and while there he established the Monumental Graphics Workshop. He has illustrated books by many distinguished authors, including Janni Howker's Isaac Campion (1990), Gary Soto's Baseball in April (1993), Harvey Angell by Diana Hendry (1995) and The Claw by Paul Jennings (1997).

The work of Mauricio Gómez Morín Fuentes is characterised by his black and white engraving technique, and the use of pencil drawing as well as red Chinese ink. The expressive possibilities of the white and black give definition to outlines and depth to shade, imparting several meanings to his subject. His illustration gives great emphasis to small details, some of them are metaphoric, intensifying atmosphere and reflecting emotions. His work displays many intertextual elements, relating to plastic arts, literary personages, television and cinema.

Mauricio Gómez Morín Fuentes has illustrated books for teenagers and for younger readers, including textbooks. All of his books are marked by his typical attention to detail and, even when a book is not set in Mexico, something of the culture of his country. For his work he has won many awards and is highly respected as an artist of distinction.