Neo-Huaco Concrete

In this piece, contemporary artist Ana De Orbegoso appropriates one of the most recognizable forms in Andean ceramics: Moche portrait vessels. These ceramic bottles, created by the Moche people of Peru’s north coast between 100-700 CE, are considered the only form of portraiture ever developed in the ancient Andes. De Orbegoso creates a series of faceless portrait replicas of the Moche vessels in various media, such as resin and concrete, to forge a link between past and present. The intentional facelessness of the neo-huacos contributes to this bridge between past and present, allowing the viewer to envision themselves or a family member within the face of the contemporary portrait. This neo-huaco is decorated with images derived from the graphic design from posters seen in Latin America. The graphic style “Chicha,” was first popularized in the 1980s and is frequently associated with street art. The use of this style on De Orgeboso’s neo-huaco calls to mind a wall that has been papered with advertisements over the years – in this case, advertisements of Peruvian bands and singers – Corazon Serrano and Sonia Morales.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Ana de Orbegoso (born 1964), Lima and New York, 2023, by creation; Walters Art Museum, 2024, by purchase.