Exhibition Dates: September 17 – November 2, 2025
Peruska Chambi
The Firehouse Art Center is honored to welcome internationally recognized Peruvian photographer Peruska Chambi, granddaughter and biographer of legendary Peruvian photographer Martín Chambi, for the exhibition Exploring Life and Death in the Andes, on view September 17 through November 2, 2025. This striking body of work captures the cultural traditions of Día de Difuntos in the Andes, offering the community an intimate look into photography that documents aspects of life and death few visitors to the region ever experience.
“Hosting Peruska Chambi in Oklahoma is a true honor. I have admired her work for many years, and this exhibition offers Oklahomans a rare glimpse into a deeply intimate side of the Peruvian Andes—one that few tourists ever witness. Together, we will explore the duality at the heart of Andean cosmovision, where life and death are not opposites, but part of a continuous cycle of existence.”
— Mariana Llanos, Firehouse Art Center Latino Cultural Committee Member
Born in Cusco, Peru, in 1958, Chambi is a photographer, cultural manager, researcher, and educator whose career spans more than four decades. She holds a degree in Communication Sciences from the University of Lima, specializing in Audiovisual Media, and a Master’s in Cultural Management, Heritage, and Tourism from UPSMP. For over 20 years, she has taught at the University of Applied Sciences (UPC) in Lima. Her photographic projects often focus on indigenous Peruvian women and the cultural diversity of Peru’s jungle, coast, and Andean regions.
As a founding member and Director of Research at the Martín Chambi Association, she has curated exhibitions in Peru, Italy, Ecuador, and beyond. Her work has been featured in more than 17 group exhibitions and three solo shows, as well as in numerous books and publications documenting Peruvian history, culture, and biodiversity. Through her photography and scholarship, she preserves the stories of the Andes for future generations while advancing research on her grandfather’s legacy.
Chambi will be visiting Norman from September 17–22, hosted in collaboration with the Firehouse’s Latino Cultural Committee and the Consul General of Peru in Dallas. Her visit will include an artist talk, a hands-on photography workshop, and opportunities for the community to engage directly with her photography. Peruska Chambi will also be a guest lecturer to students in the Intro to Museum Studies course taught by Alison Fields the Acting Director of the University of Oklahoma’s School of Visual Arts.
Public Programs & Events
Opening Reception – 5:30 PM to 8PM, Wednesday, September 17 | Celebrate the exhibition and meet the artist. Free and open to the public. Authentic Peruvian cuisine provided by Patty’s Kitchen.
Photography Workshop – 2PM to 5 PM, Sunday, September 21 | Learn directly from Peruska Chambi in this hands-on workshop at the Firehouse Art Center.
Photographic Community Ofrenda – Throughout the duration of the exhibition, the Norman East Library, part of the Pioneer Library System (3051 E. Alameda St., Norman, OK), will host a community art activity inspired by Chambi’s work. This activity invites the community to share photographs and memories of loved ones, creating a community ofrenda.
The Firehouse Art Center gratefully acknowledges First United Bank for sponsoring exhibitions that bring world-class artists and cultural experiences to our community. The Firehouse is also grateful for the Honorable Liliana Trelles Taboada of the Consul General of Peru in Dallas for her assistance with this exhibition.