Yoryi Morel Dominican Painter

Yoryi Morel was born in Santiago in 1906 and died at the age of 73 years in 1979, in his hometown. From an early age Morel showed a surprising ability as a painter. At the age of 11, he began to study painting under the tutelage of the painter Juan Bautista Santiago Gómez -- however, Morel is also recognized as a self-taught artist. In 1940, he founded the "Yoryi" Academy at Calle Del Sol, Santiago de los Caballeros. And in 1948 Morel is appointed Deputy Director of the National School of Fine Arts. In 1973, The Dominican Government honors Morel with the “Orden de Duarte, Sánchez y Mella ,” and the rank of "Caballero."

Self portrait
1955, Oil on woodpanel, 51 x 41 cms. Collection: Centro Cultural Eduardo León Jimenes.