Yes, I grew up in Lima where I did my Bachelor of Arts before moving to Europe. Currently, I am in Milan for my exhibition at Peres Projects.

Once I graduated from the Slade, Nick Koeningsknecht invited me to do a residency at Open Forum. It was an incredible opportunity to be able to put into practice what I have been working on at the Slade. I learnt so much, from keeping an intense pace while painting and being more confident, to presenting my work to the general public.

I am very grateful for studying at PUCP and The Slade, both very different programs. Studying abroad was significant in terms of being exposed to different cultures and environments. I was encouraged to explore and question my practice a lot more and had the chance to share the studio with an amazing group of people. Methods of teaching art may vary, but I wouldn’t say any program channels a particular artistic style.

Lima has a distinct lack of museums and galleries. It might have changed over the years, but as students, we basically learnt from books. London's art scene on the other hand is outstanding, and being able to see the art in the flesh is an incredible experience. The list is enormous. During the Slade, we had the chance to meet guest artists like Allison Katz, Dexter Dalwood, Ansuya Blom and Michael Armitage, and my admiration for them grew even more once I met them in person and we shared our thoughts. I’d also like to mention the fabulous Lisa Brice show I had the chance to visit hours before moving to Berlin. The mixed media panels and the cobalt blue drawings are still in my head.

I am very excited about exhibiting in Italy, and also a little nervous as I have a profound admiration for Italian art history. On top of that, it will be the first solo show opening I am attending since the start of the pandemic.

Coming back to the previous question, during the preparations for the show there are high levels of stress and anxiety. This is normal because every exhibition means and represents a particular time for me, and these memories with remain forever. I guess every show will take its place on the map of my life.

I feel unable to define my style as it is a construction I am constantly working on. If I have to categorise it I would land in the area of non-figurative painting style. I interpret it as a figurative style without the intention to represent yet evoke. Most of the time the characteristics deal with my personal interests at that moment, and how I look at my practice as a cohesive body of work.

Absolutely. Lima is a very magical place for me. I love the landscape, that grey sky and the humidity, it evokes so many memories. I believe growing up next to the sea instils a different mindset. Also in terms of history, the traditions and the heavy cultural overlap can be easily felt in the atmosphere.

I have been exploring different gesso formulas and I work a lot on the surface itself. I'm constantly thinking about the material and the possible weight in its application, and images can build a strong feeling over different layers. I invite the viewer to gaze up close and really feel the tactility of every work.

I try to follow a routine when possible, and I usually work until very late at night. Therefore mornings are not my favourite time, but usually have a long walk with my puppy and it helps me to reflect on my day before going to the studio. I usually arrive after lunchtime and had a small ritual of preparing some coffee. Then a moment of observation and plan for the day, where I usually prepare or make the paint I will use later. Then I get deep into the painting.

At the moment I am working on a large solo show for the beginning of the next year. I certainly appreciate the importance of collaborative practices. Hopefully in the future!