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Bolivian women transform recycled materials into art with the Kuska collective
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Culture & Society

Bolivian women transform recycled materials into art with the Kuska collective

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Bolivian collective Kuska empowers women by transforming recycled ceramics and tiles into art.
  • Founded 13 years ago in Cochabamba, Kuska teaches mosaic techniques and promotes economic self-sufficiency.
  • The group, whose name means 'together' in Quechua, recycles discarded materials to create murals, paintings, and ornamental objects.

In Bolivia, the collective Kuska is empowering women through the art of mosaic, transforming discarded ceramics and tiles into vibrant works of art. For 13 years, this women's artisan association, based in Cochabamba, has been teaching the technique of mosaiquismo, fostering both economic independence and personal growth among its members.

This space was for women to attend this group and learn this new art technique, which is mosaiquismo, but our goal was also to empower women economically and help them overcome some ups and downs in their self-esteem.

— María René CamachoThe coordinator of Kuska explains the dual mission of the collective: artistic skill development and economic empowerment for women.

Kuska, meaning 'together' in Quechua, was established with the goal of creating a supportive space for women in the Villa Coronilla neighborhood. Coordinator María René Camacho explained that the collective aims not only to impart artistic skills but also to help women overcome financial challenges and boost their self-esteem. The name itself reflects the strong bond and shared journey of its members.

Initially comprising about fifteen women of diverse ages, Kuska found it easy to collaborate and plan their artistic interventions. While the number of active participants has stabilized around seven to eight in recent years, the spirit of unity remains. The women meticulously collect and cut discarded ceramic pieces and broken tiles from streets, construction sites, and local businesses, giving these materials a new life.

In Quechua, Kuska means together, and it is a word with which its members identify because 'since this collective was formed' they have always tried 'to walk together.'

— María René CamachoThe coordinator highlights the significance of the collective's name and the unity among its members.

These recycled materials are then skillfully crafted into intricate murals, decorative panels, and various ornamental objects. Kuska's artistic endeavors extend to public spaces, where they create large-scale murals, as well as smaller pieces for exhibitions and sale. Their debut in 2014 was a mural at the Adela Zamudio theater in Cochabamba, honoring the renowned Bolivian poet and feminist precursor.

We believe that here in the workshop, some of the women come to give themselves a second chance.

— María René CamachoThe coordinator reflects on the transformative impact the collective has on its members' lives.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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