Born in Curaçao, José Maria Capricorne started his art career as a decorative and porcelain painter. After studying at the Amsterdam Graphic School, he worked as an advertising designer and artist. In 1968, together with archaeologist Eddy Ayubi, he founded Curaçao's first art academy, of which he later became director. Throughout the years Capricorne remained active as an artist, and even now, in his nineties, he continues to focus on depicting the Caribbean life force and promoting the empowerment of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Capricorne has received several awards for his work and has been involved in art projects with people with disabilities and people in detention.