Valencian artist Nassio, born Ignacio Bayarri, is remembered for his multifaceted career as a painter, sculptor, and poet. He passed away at the age of 90 after a Sunday fall in his studio in Paterna and was hospitalized at the Arnau de Vilanova center before dying later the same day.
The incident unfolded while the artist was alone in his workshop. He reportedly remained on the ground for more than two days, unable to rise or call for help. A routine health center check, one his family relied on, alerted authorities that Nassio had not attended visits and might require assistance. Police and Fire Department responders arrived at the Paterna studio and found the elderly artist with visible signs of hypothermia and the consequences of a severe fall, illustrating a period of isolation before assistance could be secured.
Nassio was the son of artist Josep Maria Bayarri, a fellow painter and sculptor who left a lasting cultural imprint in his hometown. Under Nassio’s signature, works such as the Valencia Fans Monument, which stands before the Mestalla stadium, the Statue for Segrelles at Plaza Pintor Segrelles, and Axias March along Ausias March Street are remembered as part of his family’s artistic legacy.
His formal training began with drawing and expanded into sculpture and broader art studies at the Valencia School of Arts and Crafts. He earned the Outstanding End of Degree Award at the San Carlos Academy of Fine Arts, completing his studies in 1952, a milestone that set the stage for a long career defined by dedication and growth in his craft.
In 1989 Nassio achieved recognition as a Permanent Academician of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Carlos de València, a body he later served as vice-president during 2001 and 2002. His honors extended beyond this role, including the Gold Medal from the Fine Arts Circle in 1996 and another Gold Medal awarded in October 2010. The Valencian Generalitat also conferred the Cultural Merit Distinction in acknowledgement of his contributions to the region’s arts and culture.
Throughout his career, Nassio earned multiple national accolades, including three National Medals of Sculpture, and he was celebrated with the Indian Hill Gold Medal for his influence in the arts. His influence extended beyond Valencia as his sculptures traveled to cities across Spain and into international venues, reflecting a reach that resonated with a diverse audience of art lovers and collectors alike.
Nassio Bayarri’s work transcended regional boundaries. While he remained a prominent figure in the Valencian artistic community, his statues can be found in Madrid, Alcalá de Henares, and other Spanish cities, as well as abroad. His pieces have been exhibited in major cultural centers across France, Germany, Italy, the United States, England, Switzerland, and beyond, illustrating a career that connected local heritage with a wider global audience. The enduring visibility of his sculptures has helped preserve a crafted legacy that continues to inspire new generations of artists and admirers. The memory of Nassio is documented in regional archives and memorials that celebrate his contributions to the arts.