Máximo Laura, born on November 18, 1959, in the picturesque region of Ayacucho in the Peruvian Andes, is not just an artist; he is a living testament to Peru’s rich textile heritage. Hailing from a lineage of skilled weavers, the art of weaving is not just a skill for Laura, but a legacy passed down through generations. While his early lessons came from his father, Miguel Laura, it was only later in life that he truly embraced this art form, turning it into both his profession and his passion.
The tumultuous political climate of the 1980s in Ayacucho led Laura to relocate to Lima. While he initially pursued literature at the University of San Marcos with aspirations of becoming a poet and writer, fate had other plans. Weaving, which began as a means to support himself, soon became his calling, immersing him in a world of vibrant fibers and colors.
Drawing inspiration from ancient Peruvian cultures like Chavin, Paracas, Nazca, Huari, and Chancay, Laura’s work is a harmonious blend of the past and present.
He also finds inspiration from renowned artists such as Fernando de Syszlo, Olga de Amaral, Jean Lurcat, and Sheila Hicks. His designs, paintings, and weavings are a culmination of years of research, curiosity, and exploration, all of which he has masterfully translated into his unique artistic language.
Over the span of his illustrious career, Laura has crafted around 13 distinct series, each marking a different phase of his journey and showcasing the evolution of his style and color palette. His work seamlessly merges symbols, memories, myths, and ancestral rituals with contemporary art, creating timeless masterpieces.
Beyond being an artist, Laura is also a dedicated educator, imparting knowledge on textile techniques and contemporary Andean textile design. With over 140 exhibitions across 29 countries, his contributions to the art world have been recognized with prestigious awards like the UNESCO award for Latin America and the Caribbean, the “National Living Human Treasure” of Peru, and many more.
Today, from his home workshop in Lima, Laura continues his artistic journey. Through his museum, masterclasses, and teachings, he remains committed to preserving and promoting the rich weaving culture, ensuring it inspires and thrives in future generations.
