River School

In River School, José Cruz Sánchez captures the joyful choreography of life below water. Hand-carved into a spherical gourd and painted in bold hues of yellow, orange, and coral, the piece features a school of fish swimming in rhythmic unison. Each form is outlined with delicate incisions, creating a visual current that pulls the viewer’s gaze across the entire surface. The deep blue background acts as a tranquil riverbed, punctuated by a single white moon — a symbol of calm above the current. This sculpture balances color and craft, with the organic flow of etched patterns mimicking natural movement. Displayed on a black wooden base, it’s a compact but striking celebration of ecosystem harmony and artisan tradition.