The artist Fernando Caceres Jara was born in Puno, Peru. He completed his training in Quito in 1998 and then went on to the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, receiving his Postgraduate degree in the Conservation of Easel Paintings in 2004. Fernando’s work, in a wide range of media including oils and ink, has as its focus the myths and rituals of the Andean people of his country. Using colour symbolism and various methods of painting learnt from his time as a conservator, Fernando has sought to visualize oral narratives of the Andes. Both the power and fragility of these storytelling traditions are revealed in his paintings, which are made using historical techniques that are no longer employed. Recent paintings included in the “Mythological Stays” exhibition bring together contrasting themes of religion and politics, intellect and emotions, and the mind and body; they present to the viewer universal myths and dichotomies.

Beatrice Keefe, Art Historian, Boston USA