Born in Las Palmas, Spain in 1925, Martín Chirino studied at the San Fernando School of Fine Arts in Madrid. Chirino traveled throughout Europe including Italy and Great Britian and helped establish the El Paso (The Step) Group in 1957 with artists of the period such as Antonio Saura. The artist mostly sculpted abstract iron works.

Chirino also played an important role in cultural management, participating in the founding of the Plastic Arts Mangement Board. Chirino’s sculptures can be found at notable international institutions. In 1960, his “spirals” were exhibited at the MoMA in New York. His 1996 sculpture, Lady Harimaguada is located on the seafront promenade of his hometown which has become a symbol of the city. In 2014, Chirino became an honorary member of the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts. 

Martín Chirino passed way in 2019 in Madrid.