WESR

(Peru, 1980)

Ukuku (Quechua for ‘spectacled bear’) is a masked character from Peruvian indigenous folklore. Ever since WESR saw Ukuku for the first time, he decided to incorporate it in his artistic practice, from his graffiti writing to figurative canvases. Eventually, WESR realized that he was unconsciously portraying this character’s mask to describe himself. In this painting, he shows us what he believes lies behind the mask: our inner universe.

“When you use this ritual mask, you can change many things in your personality. So, I think now I open some doors for myself and express myself through the mask.” / WESR