Peru: Kingdom of the Sun and Moon

The evocative power of images occupies a central place in the history of the Hispanic, colonial and modern Peru. With the support of public and private institutions from Peru, the US and Europe, around 300 artworks complemented by photographic and archival documents, will be showcased in the exhibition entitled: Peru: Kingdom of the Sun and Moon at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

The show includes a wide selection of pre-Columbian treasures, works from the Colonial period, as well as modern paintings and sculptures. These are works that include paintings, sculptures, photographs and works on paper, adornments in gold and silver, ceramics and textiles, as well as 100 objects never before exhibited outside of Peru.

The exhibition is divided into three sections: myths and rituals of the early civilizations of the Andes; the perpetuation, concealment and hybridization of the indigenous culture during the colonial period; and the rediscovery and revalorization of these cultures in the Twentieth Century, particularly through the indigenous movement that expresses the pride of an independent country.

Through the establishment of a dialogue between works from different periods and artistic disciplines, the exhibition will examine the important role symbolic imagery has played through time in the construction of the collective cultural identity in Peru. The themes explored include the creation of myths, national affirmation, and archeological looting.

Curated by Víctor Pimentel, the exhibition will remain open from February 2 to June 16, 2013.