Dubai, Nov 27: The Consulate General of Peru in Dubai, in collaboration with the Ismaili Centre, inaugurated “WAKOS: Ceramic Ties”, an exhibition that brings together Emirati and Peruvian artists in a shared artistic dialogue shaped by geography, memory, and the transformative power of nature. Hosted at the Ismaili Centre Dubai, the exhibition highlights the deep cultural connections that can emerge through artistic expression.
At the core of the exhibition are Wakos (Huacos)—ancient Peruvian ceramic vessels created by civilizations such as the Moche, Nazca, and Chimu. More than utilitarian objects, these vessels served as storytellers of collective memory, depicting daily life, rituals, mythology, and humanity’s bond with nature and the spiritual world. The exhibition reinterprets this legacy by showing how clay continues to serve as a vessel for identity, imagination, and cultural continuity.
The participating artists—four from the UAE (Wafa Hasher Maktoum, Rashid Al Mulla, Hessa Al Awadhi, and Abdulrahman Abdulla Aldark) and four from Peru (German Fernandez Cantos, Melissa Larrañaga, Vivian Vilcarromero, and Liz Ramos-Prado), were selected for the authenticity of their practice and their ability to engage thoughtfully with the intercultural spirit of the exhibition. Each artist was given two handcrafted Wakos as blank canvases to reinterpret the exhibition’s themes using diverse media, from traditional painting to recycled materials and digital techniques.
The resulting artwork reflects a rich blend of cultural perspectives while opening new spaces for shared reflection and creative exploration. “WAKOS: Ceramic Ties” stands as a platform for cultural exchange between Peru and the UAE, demonstrating how art can transcend borders, celebrate heritage, and foster deeper understanding between nations.