Taller Huaringa, the studio of Lima artist Maricruz Arribas, uses only recyclable materials to create a fantastic array of artwork.

Taller Huaringa Lima

When we visited today, Carlos and I were given a privileged peak at the studio, which has opened its doors for two days this week in the run up to Christmas.

Beginning as a hobby, Maricruz has developed her passion for recycling unused objects into a profession, dedicating her work to breathing new life into disposed of and forgotten materials. She takes what could be considered by many to be “mundane” and “boring” objects  and transforms them, turning them into excting and vibrant works of contemporary art.

“The materials come from all over,” Maricruz told us “mostly from old houses that are about to be demolished … every time I enter such a house, firstly I cry,” she explained to us. “Then I go about frantically trying to salvage anything that can be used in my artwork.”

“Often when I pick up a disused item I have no idea what I will do with it. Then, when I take it back to the studio, ideas begin to formulate …”

The very name Huaringa is derived from a place in northern Peru, near to Maricruz’s home town of Piura, where witches are purported to have gathered.  “I chose this name because witches transform things, much as I do with my own work.”

On our tour of the studio, Maricruz showed us an array of artwork, ranging from sculptures crafted from old furniture, teddy bears made from burlap sacks, to flowers and ornaments made from twisted glass bottles. The works have gone on exhibition in Peru’s top galleries and have featured in international contemporary art exhibitions also.

Maricruz currently features in a collective exhibition at the Lima Museum of Contemporary Art in Barranco.

We are currently exploring the possibility of our guests interested in Peruvian contemporary art visiting her studio … watch this space!