By Ernesto Apomayta Chambi
A Life Dedicated to Humanity and Culture
My greatest ambition is to serve humanity—committing myself to improving the world and challenging the stereotypes born of ignorance.
I’ve begun this mission by raising awareness in schools, cultural centers, museums, universities, institutes, libraries, and through my personal atelier in Cusco, Peru. There, I share the richness of Inca, Maya, Aztec, Chinese, and Native American cultures—a reflection of my deep respect for ancestral heritage.
42 Years Across the Globe
As a visual artist, I’ve traveled for over four decades across continents and countries, witnessing profound transformations and immense social disparities. These experiences shaped my artistic maturity and inspired me to channel my craft in service of my homeland—Puno, Peru.
Art as a Bridge of Emotions
Painting has always been a way for me to give meaning to life. As a descendant of the Aymara and Quechua peoples, I see art as a bridge to connect with others—much like the ancient Aztec and Inca artists did. Conversations sparked by my work bring me great joy.
My paintings reflect a coexistence of past and present, rural and urban, traditional and modern—capturing the cultural dualities we experience in today’s globalized world.
The Spirit of Abya Yala
Every canvas and mural I create is infused with my ancestral spirit from Abya Yala (the Indigenous name for the Americas). My work is a spiritual offering—especially to nature and the resilience of my people.
Through the use of natural forms and layered symbols with double meanings, I open the door to contradiction, ambiguity, and personal interpretation. This is my way of reminding the world to honor our cosmic and global family.
A Journey of Memory and Resistance
In my life and my art, I return to the birthplace of my Aymara ancestors—marginalized for over 500 years. Their stories of suffering and strength remain etched in my memory, ready to emerge on canvas.
I’ve come to understand that our traditions were shaped by the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. This foundation drives my creative process, blending contrast and eclecticism with intention.
Giving Voice to Nature
I rarely paint human figures. Instead, I give voice to what is often overlooked—animals, plants, and the silent spirit of daily life. My work speaks to the deep interdependence between people and nature.
With a soft yet vibrant color palette and a figurative style rooted in modern pictorial languages, I seek to awaken the symbolic energy that surrounds us.
Art Born from Nature
Peru has always nurtured artists connected to the sublime beauty of nature. I believe that art is a visible, spiritual expression of all that exists in the natural world.
Through my studies in Peru, France, China, the USA, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and Brazil, I’ve developed a methodical and unique approach to landscape painting—always honoring the memory and wisdom of the original peoples of Abya Yala.
Connect With My Work
I invite you to explore my journey and artworks. Visit my websites in [Spanish] and [English], or search for my full name online to discover more articles, interviews, and exhibitions.
