Aracari's Weekly Insight by Simon The Question: Which arts and crafts shop in Barranco is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend? The Answer: Las Pallas in Barranco celebrates its 25th Anniversary this weekend with the opening of an exhibition compiled of pieces that have been specially chosen for the occasion. Entitled “Tradition and Change”, the exhibition will feature an assortment of works ranging from weavings, ceramics and paintings to masks, baskets, charms and amulets. The exhibition will demonstrate not only the rich artistic tradition of Peru, but the incorporation of modern ideas and imagery into arts and crafts. “It’s not a normal distribution” Las Pallas founder Mari Solari told me as I visited for a sneak peak of the exhibition before tomorrow’s opening. “but a special collection of pieces that merge the vintage with the modern”. This was quite evident with some of the pieces on display, with traditional media such as ceramics and textiles being used to display such images as aeroplanes and lorries (trucks). 25 years of Las Pallas Mari Solari first came to Peru in 1966, and right from the off she was thrust into the country’s rich art world, with which her family was deeply involved. Before opening Las Pallas she worked at her mother-in-law’s art gallery in San Juan de Lurigancho for ten years, learning all about the country’s rich artistic tradition and meeting artisans from across Peru. In October 1986 she moved to Barranco and opened Las Pallas with the aim of promoting arts and crafts in Peru of the finest quality. “I fought for quality” she told me, “promoting those who were making things for use … and paying a fair price for such goods.” “Barranco was much rougher at that time” Mari told me, “there were no trees on the street, and

by Simon photos by Martin On September 23rd 1996 Marisol Mosquera started Aracari Travel with the vision of designing hand-crafted itineraries for those discerning travellers who wanted to explore Peru in comfort and style. Precisely 15 years later and the company is recognised as one of Peru’s finest tour operators, with awards from Conde Nast Traveler magazine and Travel + Leisure just a few of the plaudits that have been received over the years. Naturally this landmark called for a big party. And on such an important occasion we considered it appropriate that the event should be hosted by none other than our close friend Naguib Ciurlizza in his exquisite property on the outskirts of Lima. “We want to celebrate by giving you all a taste of what our guests experience” Marisol toasted assembled dignitaries from all walks of Peruvian travel; specialist guides, tour operators and close friends alike who had joined the Aracari staff in converging upon Naguib’s delightful house and garden for lunch and drinks. Her touching note set the scene for a most relaxing afternoon. This stared with a tour of the garden, an in depth look at the kaleidoscope of plants that Naguib has given beloved care and attention to, which on this day were basking in the early spring sunshine. This was followed by a peek at some of his delightful art collection, one of the best in Peru. The whole affair was accompanied by refreshing house cocktails. Lunch – most eagerly anticipated given that Naguib is an expert chef - consisted of a terrific and bountiful buffet of Peruvian cuisine. This featured the likes of causa (layered potatoes and yellow chilli pepper filled with ceviche of sole and garnished with lashings of lime juice), shambar (a rich northern Peruvian stew containing beans, meat and

If you’re in London next week, well then Aracari will be too: Marisol Mosquera is assisting with Tasneem Gallery's exposition at PINTA LONDON 2011, The Modern & Contemporary Latin American Art Show. With an exciting array of art from across the continent, PINTA demonstrates just how boisterous the Latin American Art scene is at the moment. And Tasneem Gallery’s exposition will contemplate the diversity of Latin American art, a reflection of the region’s long and vibrant history incorporated with current social and economic dynamics. Aracari’s involvement with the show marks our continued connection with the thriving contemporary Art scene in Lima; amongst those who are exhibiting with Tasneem Gallery are our friends and Pablo Patrucco and Margarita Checa. Both are renowned Peruvian artists; the former’s paintings try to bring new light over such every day objects in Lima as garbage, public transport and icons of popular culture, while the latter’s work focuses on the energy and posture of the human figure, chiefly making use of such materials as wood and bronze. The show will be held from Monday 6th to Thursday 9th at Earls Court Exhibition Centre  (Brompton Hall, Warwick Road, Earls Court, London, SW5 9TA). More details can be found below or on Tasneem Gallery’s Facebook page. Previous Aracari ventures promoting Peruvian Art in London include a talk by Marisol entitled Mystery and History at the Instituto Cervantes. You can read the blog about that here. Aracari will also be collaborating with Tasneem Gallery on a Collective of Contemporary Peruvian Art which will open on November 11th in Barcelona. You can find out more about that event if you attend PINTA next week or alternatively please do contact us. We are also in the process of developing a tour that will focus on contemporary art in Lima and that

Naguib Ciurlizza will soon host Aracari guests in what is perhaps the most remarkable garden in Peru.

A marvellous exhibition of Peruvian textiles opened yesterday at the Centro Cultural Inca Garcilaso in Central Lima, Peru. Organised by the Museo Amano Foundation and Iniciativas Culturales del Peru, it brings together 22 works of the Amano Museum’s collection.