UNVEILING INTIMACIES: IVET SALAZAR'S JOURNEY THROUGH MOTHERHOOD AND THE ART OF CONNECTION
Ivet Salazar, the Peruvian artist celebrated for her innovative blend of ancient textile techniques with contemporary design, made her debut on this blog three years ago in our feature artist spotlight read here. Recognized for her transformative approach to reviving and reinterpreting pre-Colombian practices, Salazar's work, marked by a harmonious blend of traditional and experimental methods, resonates with a profound connection to her Peruvian heritage. Now, with her daughter at the age of six and a newly acquired studio in Barranco, Lima, Salazar delves deeper into her multifaceted roles as a mother, teacher, artist, and feminist, with a particular focus on the themes of motherhood and breastfeeding.
Offerings for the sovereignty of a fertile body, from the series “Huaqueadas” (ceramic + ceramic textile)
In the sanctuary of her new studio, I had the privilege of engaging in a profound conversation with Salazar while she immersed herself in her latest project, slated for exhibition at the Pinta Miami Art Fair. The dialogue unfolded a narrative transcending personal experience to address universal truths, as Salazar shifted her artistic gaze from the social and political to the deeply personal realm of motherhood.
The conversation initiates with Salazar's candid exploration of motherhood, with the connection to her six-year-old daughter serving as her inspiration. Her latest series, centering around breastfeeding, boldly challenges societal norms, illuminating often-overlooked facets of motherhood. Through her art, Salazar seeks to dismantle societal constructs that have, at times, sexualized and concealed the natural beauty inherent in the act of breastfeeding. She openly discusses the sensual and nurturing aspects, challenging preconceptions and advocating for a profound understanding of the female body. By naming and visually exploring experiences like motherhood, Salazar believes she provides a space for these topics to exist and be acknowledged, breaking the silence that societal norms often impose.
From the series “All the Milks” (ceramic + ceramic textile)
As Salazar prepares for the Pinta Miami Art Fair, the discussion gracefully pivots to the potential impact of international recognition on her artistic process. Recognizing the influential power of sharing experiences on a global stage, she contemplates how her use of ceramics and textiles, deeply rooted in pre-Columbian culture, may resonate with a broader audience, transcending cultural boundaries.
"I aim to connect not only with women but with a broader audience, transcending cultural boundaries through my art."
The dialogue further explores the vulnerability associated with presenting intimate works to a new audience. Salazar expresses genuine excitement about sparking interest beyond those already well-versed in the subject matter. This vulnerability, she contends, becomes a vessel for dialogue and connections, sparking conversations on essential yet overlooked topics.
Booth at Pinta Miami Art Fair / CRUDO arte contemporáneo gallery + BLOC Art Peru
The conversation delves into the materials used in Salazar's artwork, casting light on the intricacies of her craft. Insights into the dyeing process, involving natural materials such as curcuma and nogal wood on cotton, add nuanced layers to the narrative. The impact of societal structures on Salazar's work becomes unmistakable, as her shift from painting to textiles and ceramics was driven by a desire to connect with a community and contribute to a more equitable world. Her art serves as a tool to navigate and understand the complexities of societal dynamics, contributing to a more equitable and compassionate world.
"I wanted to talk about something more personal, something that goes beyond the canvas and into the essence of life."
Despite extensive research, she humbly acknowledges that what she has learned so far represents only 1% of the vast possibilities that textiles and ceramics offer. Expressing a sense of being at the beginning of her journey, Salazar conveys her eagerness to continue learning and exploring the boundless potential of her craft.
Reflecting on the past three years, Salazar shares transformative moments and new experiences, particularly during the pandemic in Lima. The delicate balance she maintains between her roles as an artist, mother, and feminist spokesperson unfolds in the intimate setting of her new studio. The interconnectedness of these roles influences her creative process, providing a poignant glimpse into the intricacies of simultaneous artistic and maternal responsibilities.
From the series “Shared bodies” / The whole life in a drop
Looking ahead, Salazar unveils aspirations for her artistic journey, emphasizing the exploration of motherhood's immense potential for expression. Beyond individual endeavors, she dreams of establishing a center dedicated to textiles and ceramics research, fostering community engagement and shared knowledge. The artist envisions this center as a collaborative effort, emphasizing the need for collective exploration and appreciation of the rich qualities inherent in these materials.
In a thought-provoking discussion, Salazar challenges conventional notions of the art world, advocating for a shift toward appreciating the artistic process. She envisions a more collective and inclusive approach to art, encouraging diverse perspectives and experiences.
"It's time to rethink mainstream art paradigms, appreciating the process over fixating solely on the end product."
The conversation concludes with Salazar contemplating the possibilities inherent in her dream of a community-focused art center. This collaborative effort, emphasizing the power of shared knowledge and experience, highlights the interconnected nature of the artistic community.
In the alchemy of her art, Ivet Salazar intertwines threads of personal experience, cultural heritage, and universal truths. Through her exploration of motherhood, she challenges societal norms, fostering accessibility, and navigating the intricate dance between art and society. What stands out is Salazar's adept approach to introducing her culture through a universally relatable topic like breastfeeding. Using pre-Columbian textile and ceramic techniques as her main artistic language, she adds depth and makes her cultural narrative highly accessible. As she prepares to showcase her work on an international platform, Salazar's art becomes a powerful vessel for dialogue, breaking taboos and inviting viewers to reconsider the inherent beauty and connection present in the act of nurturing life.
The Pinta Miami Art Fair has now drawn to a close, marking a significant moment as we are delighted to share that Ivet Salazar was part of winning the NEXT Award. The award, presented in the 2023 edition of Pinta Miami Art fair, brought together a selection of ten South American galleries organized in exchange and collaboration pairs. This recognition comes as the culmination of a collaborative effort between the Argentinian gallery Crudo arte contemporaneo and BLOC Art Peru, featuring the works of four remarkable artists, including María Eugenia Moya, Ivet Salazar, Nicole Mazza, and Egar Murillo. Their compositions explore the fragility of subjects, divided social bodies, and reflections on gender roles through mediums like painting, embroidery, and ceramics. The award symbolizes not only artistic excellence but also a dedicated commitment to dialogue, cultural exchange, and the decentralization of artistic practices in Latin America. The award was determined by a distinguished jury, featuring Ella Fontanals Cisneros, Laura Hakel, and Irene Gelfman. As the art fair concludes, Salazar's journey continues, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of art, culture, and societal dialogue.