Maximo Laura

Peru 1959-

Last week we traveled to the rich and ancient culture of Peru, exploring the mystery of the Nazca lines, ancient motifs and symbols and the colorful world of Peru’s contemporary textile artist, Maximo Laura. His combination of bold storytelling and masterful techniques have made him one of the most influential artists in the world. He is a fifth-generation weaver and UNESCO-awarded artist who has revolutionized Peruvian textile art. Laura's work is a blend of ancestral techniques and contemporary vision, and a testament to the enduring power of Peru's rich cultural heritage.

Raised in the historic city of Ayacucho, Laura learned the ancient art of weaving at his father's side. Yet, he was destined to push boundaries. His studies in literature and fine arts ignited a creative fire that would propel him to the forefront of Peruvian contemporary art. His journey to international acclaim began with his first exhibition at the Cultural Center of Buenos Aires in 1985. Since then, his tapestries have graced the walls of over 140 exhibitions worldwide, earning him the prestigious UNESCO Prize for Latin America. Today, his work is part of esteemed collections including the National Museum of Peruvian Culture, the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, and UNESCO's Paris headquarters.

As co-founder of the Iberoamerican Textile Network and the Peruvian Center of Textile Art, he has spearheaded a movement to preserve and innovate within Peru's textile traditions. His work has inspired a new generation of artists, ensuring the vitality of this ancient art form . In 2013 Laura founded his museum, Museo Máximo Laura, located in the historic Cusco, declared "Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 1983.

"My art is a journey through the symbols, stories, and rituals of my ancestors," Laura reflects. "Each tapestry is a bridge between the past and the present, a celebration of Peru's enduring cultural spirit."