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Kuska: Bolivian women transform recycled ceramics and tiles into art
🇧🇴 Bolivia /Culture & Society

Kuska: Bolivian women transform recycled ceramics and tiles into art

From El Deber · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Bolivian collective Kuska transforms discarded ceramics and tiles into art, creating colorful murals and decorative pieces.
  • Founded 13 years ago in Cochabamba, Kuska aims to empower women economically and boost their self-esteem through the art of mosaic.
  • The group, whose name means 'together' in Quechua, emphasizes solidarity and mutual support among its members.

In Cochabamba, Bolivia, the women's collective Kuska is turning discarded fragments of ceramic and tiles into vibrant works of art. For over a decade, Kuska has been rescuing broken pieces, often found in the streets or construction sites, and transforming them into intricate mosaics, murals, and ornamental objects.

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

— María René CamachoExplaining the initial goals of the Kuska collective.

Founded 13 years ago within the mARTadero Project's Creative Communities (CC Lab), Kuska initially aimed to provide a creative outlet and economic opportunities for women in the Villa Coronilla neighborhood. "This space was for women to attend this group and learn this new art technique, which is mosaic, but also our objective was to economically empower women and help them overcome some ups and downs in their self-esteem," explained María René Camacho, the coordinator of Kuska.

The name 'Kuska' itself, meaning 'together' in Quechua, reflects the core philosophy of the collective. "Since this collective was formed, we have always tried to walk together," Camacho said. "Together we have tried to overcome many problems... together we have made ourselves known. Together we have gone to give classes in the interior and abroad."

Since this collective was formed, we have always tried to walk together. Together we have tried to overcome many problems... together we have made ourselves known. Together we have gone to give classes in the interior and abroad.

— María René CamachoDescribing the solidarity and shared experiences within the Kuska collective.

Initially comprising about fifteen women of various ages, the group has maintained a consistent core of 7 to 8 participants in recent years. They meticulously cut and assemble the salvaged materials, giving a "second chance" to what would otherwise be considered waste. Kuska's work not only beautifies public spaces and galleries but also serves as a powerful testament to female solidarity and economic empowerment through art.

We believe that within this workshop, some of the women are coming to give themselves a second chance.

— María René CamachoReflecting on the personal growth and opportunities the collective provides.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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