Stories: Aracari Newsletter

Peruvian sculptor Margarita Checa, born in Lima, has a reputation in the art world for being one of the most important contemporary sculptors in South America, known for carving life-size and larger human figures with incredibly emotive features in wood and bronze. Peruvian Sculptor Margarita Checa Though she began her artistic career drawing at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru, she discovered that sculpture was her ultimate niche, beginning with works in bronze and later moving on to wood as her principal material. Her works have been exhibited in galleries around Peru like Lucía de la Puente in Lima and internationally at galleries in the United States, Spain, Panama and Mexico. Most recently in September 2013, the Peruvian Institute of North American Culture (ICPNA) in Lima housed a retrospective of Checa’s works from 1972-2013, curated by art historian and critic, Luis Eduardo Wuffarden. As a product of this exhibition, the ICPNA has just this week published a book, Margarita Checa. Muestra antológica, 1972-2013, showcasing the sculptor’s oeuvre from her student years to the present. Meeting with Margarita Checa When Aracari learned about the publication a few months ago, we met with the artist at her home in Lima in honor of the upcoming release. Upon entering her apartment, the most striking aspect of is, not surprisingly, the sculptures and art that fill the space.  Wooden sculptures by Checa flank each corner, decorate the walls, dominate small tables. In addition to her own works are pieces by Peruvian artists like a painting by José Tola and a bronze piece by her mentor, artist Cristina Galvez. After Galvez’s passing in 1982, Checa rented the Cristina Galvez Atelier, where she and other artists exhibited work and taught classes. Though she has stopped teaching for some time, dedicating herself fully to her works, she