History of visual arts in Peru

The history of the visual arts in Peru is fascinating and diverse, covering a wide range of periods, styles and artistic movements. Here is a summary of the main moments and features:

1. Pre-Columbian art: Before the arrival of the Spanish, Peru was inhabited by various indigenous cultures, such as the Moche, Nazca, Chavín, Paracas, Chimú and Inca, among others. These cultures produced a variety of art, including ceramics, textiles, stone sculptures, and precious metals. The works of art of the Moche civilization stand out, such as their erotic ceramics and realistic portraits, as well as the finely crafted textiles from Paracas.

2. Spanish colonization: With the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, European artistic influences were introduced, especially in the religious field. A school of colonial painting known as the Cuzqueña School developed, which combined European techniques with indigenous and religious themes. Artists such as Diego Quispe Tito, Marcos Zapata and Juan Espinoza de los Monteros stand out.

3. 19th century: During the 19th century, academicism and realism predominated in Peruvian art, with artists such as Francisco Laso and Daniel Hernández. Representations of daily life, landscapes, portraits and historical scenes stood out.

4. 20th century - Indigenism: In the first half of the 20th century, the indigenista movement emerged in the Peruvian visual arts, which sought to represent and value indigenous culture and its traditions. Artists such as José Sabogal, Julia Codesido and Camilo Blas stand out.

5. Avant-garde and contemporaneity: Starting in the second half of the 20th century, avant-garde and experimental movements emerged in Peruvian art, such as abstract expressionism, conceptual art and installation. Artists such as Fernando de Szyszlo, Emilio Rodríguez Larraín and Teresa Burga stand out, who explored new forms of expression and social and political themes.

In summary, the history of the visual arts in Peru is a mix of indigenous traditions, colonial influences and modernity, with a variety of styles and movements that reflect the rich cultural diversity and artistic evolution over time.