Ceramics of Ancient Peru, from the Pacific to the Andes

Description

The Le Fornaci Foundation in Riva San Vitale presents the exhibition "Ceramics of Ancient Peru. From the Pacific to the Andes." The exhibition was conceived and produced by the Museum of Cultures of Lugano (MUSEC) and curated by Antonio Aimi, former professor of pre-Columbian civilizations at the University of Milan and research associate at MUSEC. Organized under the patronage of the municipality of Riva San Vitale, the exhibition will take place from September 19 to December 6, 2026, in the historic premises of the Palazzo Comunale. Following the launch of its exhibition program last November with "Fire and Matter. The Art of Ceramics," the first group exhibition of contemporary ceramics from the region, the Le Fornaci Foundation continues its mission with "Ceramics of Ancient Peru. From the Pacific to the Andes," expanding its focus to the international stage and presenting a project of high cultural and educational value. The exhibition brings together 65 works from the pre-Columbian art collections of MUSEC. The ceramic finds, originating from the great cultures between the Pacific coast and the Andes from 1800 BC to 1532 AD, the year of the Spanish conquest, offer a broad audience the opportunity to discover one of the most significant ceramic traditions of the pre-Columbian world. "The exhibition was designed to provide a current and well-founded interpretation of one of the most extraordinary artistic traditions of the American continent," emphasizes Antonio Aimi, curator of the exhibition. "It highlights not only the historical and archaeological value of the artifacts but also the aesthetic quality, technical skill, and creativity of the artists who created them." In line with the latest research findings on pre-Columbian art, the project is part of an ever-evolving field of research that honors the role of artisans and the particularities of individual works, going beyond a purely archaeological perspective to restore the ceramic production in its full artistic value. The exhibition thus offers a unique opportunity for knowledge transfer and discovery: a journey through techniques, styles, and artistic expressions that reveal the complexity of pre-Columbian cultures and their extraordinary visual heritage. Ceramics, which unite material, technique, and creativity, represent a universal heritage that tells the stories of civilizations, traditions, and worldviews, revealing the complexity and richness of the cultures that produced them. Image rights: © 2026 Fondazione culture e musei, Lugano

Highlights

• Exhibition features 65 pre-Columbian ceramic works
• Runs from September 19 to December 6, 2026
• Curated by Antonio Aimi, expert in pre-Columbian civilizations

General Information

The Le Fornaci Foundation in Riva San Vitale presents the exhibition "Ceramics of Ancient Peru. From the Pacific to the Andes," showcasing significant ceramic traditions from 1800 BC to 1532 AD. Organized in collaboration with MUSEC, the exhibition aims to provide a comprehensive interpretation of pre-Columbian art.

Location

Piazza Grande 6, 6826 Riva San Vitale, Switzerland

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