The Walters Art Museum has unveiled new Latin American galleries, opening with a work by Peruvian-born artist Kukuli Velarde titled "Wak'a del Agua" (2022-2023). The ceramic piece, inspired by the Inca tradition of stacking stones to mark sacred spaces, features five stacked forms painted in diverse styles that reflect different periods of Peruvian history, from ancient textile patterns to neon-colored figures.
This installation marks a significant expansion of the museum's permanent collection galleries, offering visitors a 4,000-year tour of Latin American art. By centering contemporary works like Velarde's alongside historical artifacts, the Walters bridges ancient and modern artistic traditions, highlighting the enduring cultural heritage of the region and the museum's commitment to diversifying its narrative.