Untitled, c. 1990s-early 2000s

From the artist’s studio: “The artwork was created at the Cerámicas Seminario workshop by Pablo Seminario and Marilú Behar, likely in the late 1990s or early 2000s. It reflects the results of their research into ancient Peruvian cultures, reinterpreted through a modern lens.. This is a contemporary piece that incorporates pre-Columbian techniques and symbolism—hallmarks of the Cerámicas Seminario approach. The piece was made using a mold and may have been painted either by Marilú herself or by one of the local artists who have collaborated with us over the years. Pablo and Marilú have developed a distinctive style that has earned international recognition, with their works featured in several museums, especially across the United States. Pablo is known for his powerful, personal sculptural language, while Marilú focuses more on mural painting and decorative pottery.”

Cerámicas Seminario

The Sacred Valley of the Incas, the main route to the citadel of Machu Picchu, is the home of Cerámicas Seminario. In the 1980s, Pablo and Marilú were the only staff in the workshop. For 12 years, they worked alone, preparing their materials, making their tools, and exhibiting their work in the streets and at fairs of Cusco. They lived in isolation because the country was in turmoil at the time. In the late 1990s, their work began to receive international recognition, and the workshop grew exponentially. This gave rise to what is now known as the Seminario style, generating many jobs and highlighting Cerámicas Seminario's commitment to keeping the ceramic tradition alive in Peru.

Pablo Seminario
Born in northern Peru (Piura) in 1948, Pablo Seminario demonstrated a keen interest in ancient Peruvian cultures and their artistic expressions from an early age. After studying architecture and sculpture, he worked as an architect before moving to Cusco in 1979, where he met his partner Marilú Behar. Together, they founded and developed the ceramics and art workshop that bears their name.

Pablo’s work has received numerous national and international awards and recognitions, including the Joaquín López Antay National Prize from the Congress of the Republic of Peru. His pieces have been acquired by museums such as the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art in Cusco, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and the Field Museum in Chicago, among others.

Marilú Behar
Born in Lima, Peru, in 1957, Marilú Behar displayed a talent and interest in art from a very young age. She had the opportunity to travel and live in several countries, which influenced her ability to express herself through art. Her international training and experience have led her to develop a unique and diverse vision in her work.

In 1980, her love for Peru led her to settle in Cusco, where she met Pablo Seminario. Together, they founded the Seminario Ceramics Workshop in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, creating unique pieces that combine the richness of ancient Peruvian cultures with a contemporary and personal touch.

(Bio sourced from the artist’s website)