SILVANA PESTANA

Silvana Pestana is an acclaimed artist based in Lima, Peru, who has emerged as a vital voice in the contemporary Peruvian art scene, particularly in her exploration of complex social, environmental, and historical themes. Her work critically examines the severe ecological and human toll of extractive capitalism, focusing on the impacts of illegal gold mining that devastate the land, revealing scars visible even from space. This devastation is poignantly encapsulated in her exhibitions, especially her captivating interpretations of the Amazonian forest of Madre de Dios—a striking "golden metastasis" she refers to as "Mother of Go(l)d."

In her exhibition Amazonas, Pestana takes a bold approach by applying a metallic coating to Amazonian flora, symbolically robbing nature of its testimony to immortalize it. Rather than capturing moments through photography, her work seeks to paralyze time sculpturally, fossilizing plant forms in metal. These new fossils of memory provoke an instinctive urge in viewers—to observe and to touch, evoking a sense of ancestral, primitive connection. However, this act also raises questions about history, as these creations serve as a false representation of reality, using materiality as a metaphor for memory. This deliberate falsification challenges the authenticity of what we perceive.

Beyond her environmental critique, Pestana also delves into the historical landscape of Peru, documenting wildlife surrounding ancient huacas (Quechuan languages of South America, a huaca is an object that represents something revered, typically a monument of some kind) in the desert. While these ceremonial sites stand as archaeological wonders, it is the persistent natural elements that intrigue her—the chameleon-like aspects of the landscape that endure against the passage of time.

Her installation "Dama de Cao" exemplifies this engagement with history. Drawing inspiration from the realm of the Mochica ruler revered for her supernatural powers, Pestana constructs 15 clay San Pedro cacti. These ancient symbols of protection, traditionally used in magical-religious practices, serve both as defensive structures and spiritual motifs. Standing prominently in the desert, they embody resilience and the enduring hope for spiritual clarity.

Recognized as part of a revolutionary wave in Peru’s art landscape, Pestana is among a cohort of women artists who have emerged later in life, after navigating rich personal journeys. Their presence challenges the prevailing narratives centred on youth, introducing a different kind of vitality marked by existential depth and spiritual resonance. This group boldly defies imposed political correctness, presenting vital testimonies to the gravity of contemporary times. Through their work, they explore the overlooked aspects of society and history, offering an alternate vision that critiques and enriches the artistic discourse.

Pestana’s artistry harmoniously blends disturbing elegance with profound historical narratives. Her pieces aim to evoke empathy, inviting audiences to reflect on the shared human experience of fragility, loss, and the yearning for a better existence.