Public diplomacy in action: Peruvian artist's photo exhibition

Peruvian Ambassador to Korea Paul Duclos, right, poses with artist Roberto Huarcaya during a photo exhibition in Seoul, March 27. Courtesy of Embassy of Peru in Seoul

The Embassy of Peru is deeply honored and proud to bring Korea the talent and artistry of Roberto Huarcaya, presenting a monumental exhibition, “A Sombre Aspect,” with the generous support of the Korea Foundation and the chief curator of the Donggang International Photography Festival Kim, Ms. Kim Hee-jung.

There is no doubt that Huarcaya, a 66-year-old from Lima, is one of the most renowned and talented photographers and visual artists in my country, if not the most. His innovative experimental techniques invite us to engage with the world from a natural, empathetic and intimate perspective.

The photograms shown in the Korea Foundation gallery embody an artisanal and minimalist process that stands in stark contrast to today’s technology and artificial intelligence-driven trends. It takes us back, in many ways, to the origins of photography: photosensitive paper and light, whether from natural sources like storms or the moon, or from artificial sources like a small handheld flash.

The result is a delicate realm of shadows and ephemeral images presenting the opportunity to unveil a new universe of monumental scale and transcending the way we normally see the world. Instead of relying on a viewfinder, Huarcaya utilizes a technique he calls “see by contact,” which engages and amplifies other senses. Through this innovative approach, he leads us on a journey across the diverse landscapes of Peru — from the Pacific Ocean coast to the Andes and the Amazon rainforest — capturing the essence of my nation's rich geography and cultural heritage with deep sensitivity, while offering multiple perspectives and fully embracing the subjects we encounter.

This is the first time that a Peruvian artist has been selected to share his innovative vision at the Korea Foundation Gallery from March 27 to May 16.

The exhibition is presented in three distinct sections: Nature, Nature Alike and Nature Within, such as the “Band of Musicians from Coyllurqui,” “Yawar Fiesta,” “Eucalyptus forest,” “Flying dancers,” “Scissors dance children," as well as other manifestations of his prolific work.

Photos taken by Peruvian artist Roberto Huarcaya displayed in Seoul. Courtesy of Embassy of Peru

I would like to point out that Huarcaya’s extensive body of work has shaped a distinguished international career, including his successful representation of Peru at the 2024 Venice Biennale. Also, his recent participation in the Vannes Festival in France in 2022, The Armory Show in New York in 2022, the Festival Sans Frontière, France, 2023, in Pinta PArC in Lima, 2023, in the Rencontres de la Photographie d'Arles, France and in ParisPhoto, Paris, 2023, stand out.

Nowadays, his art is part of prestigious collections worldwide, such as the collections of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris, Fine Arts Museum of Houston, MOLAA Museum of Latin American Art in California, CoCA Center on Contemporary Art in Seattle, Museo de Arte de Lima, Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporáneo, Mexico, among others.

Moreover, his dedication to promoting photography is evident in founding the “Centro de la Imagen” (Image Center) in Lima and his efforts in organizing photography biennials in Peru. Also, he has been co-editor of the CDI magazine, a Latin American photography magazine, as well as co-director of Lima Photo and Lima's photography gallery fair.

I invite you to immerse yourself in this extraordinary exhibition, which I am confident will offer you a moment of deep reflection and appreciation, fostering a unique connection with Peru's natural environment and rich traditions. As it expands our perceptions, this exhibition not only highlights the shared social and cultural values that unite us but also lays the foundation for a lasting cultural and artistic exchange between Peru and Korea.

Paul Duclos is the Peruvian ambassador to Korea