Projects
Amulet Links
This exhibition, "Links of Amulets," presents a curated selection of works that honor traditional Peruvian customs and explore the profound Asian influences within Peruvian culture. The artist, returning to Lima after a significant period, draws upon the city's rich tapestry of history, superstition, and spirituality, which resonates deeply with Peruvian, Chinese and Japanese traditions—cultures celebrated for their intricate folklore and artistry.
The works delve into themes of protection and esoteric beliefs, exemplified by the distinctive use of different characters though the pieces. These cultural symbols are interwoven with imagery inspired by Asian art, reflecting the historical immigration from China and Japan to Peru.
The exhibition juxtaposes Peruvian mysticism with Asian artistic traditions, presenting a narrative of cultural synthesis and shared heritage, highlighting the artist's respect and admiration for these intertwined cultures. Through "Links of Amulets," the artist invites viewers to explore the cultural confluence that characterizes modern Peruvian identity.
Rurally Urban
This project, conceived for the entrance of Rancho Rata, features a mural that integrates the artist's distinctive style with local architectural motifs reminiscent of rural Spanish village homes. Key elements such as the ceramic tiles typical of the area's housing have been incorporated into the artwork, a process guided by professional ceramist Cristina Savage.
Andrea Velasco-Astete's method is both gestural and spontaneous, drawing inspiration from Jackson Pollock's "Mural." This approach invites viewers to delve into a dynamic maze of strokes and textures, uncovering hidden vignettes that reflect the artist's multicultural influences and deep introspection.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the mural extends the realm of street art from Andrea's previous canvas-based works to a larger, community-engaged public installation. This initiative bridges the gap between the artistic facets of the town and its residents, fostering connections and sparking dialogues that enhance the communal and cultural landscape.
Confluent Narratives
"Confluent Narratives" is an exhibition featuring the works of two distinctly different resident artists at Rancho Rata. The show includes a diverse array of media including large canvases, delicately watercolored tiles, as well as sculptures and ceramics. The exhibition juxtaposes the hybridized animal and literary characters reinterpreted by Paco Aguilar (Málaga, 1959), which are rendered with a dreamlike and surrealistic flair, alongside the labyrinthine animals crafted by Andrea Velasco-Astete (Miami, 1999), characterized by expressionist nuances and overlays derived from popular culture. Both artists draw upon a wealth of intercultural texts and stories, creating a vivid tapestry of myths, legends, and tales that challenge and expand the boundaries of traditional narrative forms.
Fifteen Days
"Fifteen Days" is an exhibition inspired by the harrowing experience of Jaime Velasco-Astete, the grandfather of artist Andrea Velasco-Astete, who found himself lost in the Amazon rainforest after his raft capsized on the Amazon River. Over fifteen days, Jaime battled to navigate his way back to civilization and seek help for an injured companion. Each piece in this series offers an intimate visual dialogue between man and nature, capturing both the struggle for survival and the awe-inspiring beauty of the jungle.
The exhibition poses a profound question: Is it possible to be utterly captivated by an environment while simultaneously fearing it?
The exhibition not only pays tribute to the memory of a loved one but also raises awareness of the Amazon's beauty and vulnerability, emphasizing the interdependence between humans and their natural environments. The exhibition invites viewers to delve into the depths of the jungle, feel the pulse of life under the canopy, and acknowledge the resilience of the human spirit.
