Macarena Rojas Osterling @ Shreeji Newsagents
Macarena Rojas Osterling. Photo Courtesy: Eliot Gelberg-Wilson
Scribbling A Life Story In Between The Lines
Having grown up in tumultuous Peru before moving to the United Kingdom, Macarena Rojas Osterling's journey is as multifaceted as her artworks. Her artistic drive developed as a visceral reaction to the unpredictable nature of her upbringing. Lima, in her eyes, was an unfinished canvas in a nation seeking to identify itself. Craving modernism despite the chaos, she studied architecture at the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, finding peace in seeing the completion of each new building, a symbol of progress in her city. Subsequently, she pursued General Studies in Photography at the International Center of Photography in New York before obtaining her Masters in Fine Arts at The Royal College of Art in London. Stemming from her learnings in architecture, her art grew into mixing fine lines and doodles, allowing her to explore her creativity while letting go of rules.
Macarena Rojas Osterling. Photo Courtesy: Eliot Gelberg-Wilson
Today, Macarena works in North Kensington but also everywhere and anywhere. Travelling from Peru to the United States and moving across oceans to the United Kingdom prompted her to think of solutions to maintain her passion while being constantly on the move. Initially, she started cutting her works for practical reasons, allowing easier transport by folding her drawings into more manageable sizes for shipping. However, this approach soon became an integral part of her artistic process, evolving organically and seamlessly integrating itself into her creative expression.
Macarena Rojas Osterling. Photo Courtesy: Eliot Gelberg-Wilson
Describing herself as a "very anxious person," Macarena channels her restless energy into her work, finding calm within the strokes she draws while embracing the unpredictability of her creations. Her pieces invite viewers to delve beyond the surface, uncovering hidden symbols and meanings within the structured forms. Anacondas, toucans, shamanic symbols, and moons intertwine with modern elements, creating a fusion of tradition and contemporary expression. Personal touches inside an organised space, her works are the opposite of the sublime: Latin boldness in a German-like environment. Osterling skillfully reminds us that humans are not perfect and that it is okay to lose control sometimes, echoing her experiences as a mother and the constant interruptions she faces in her daily life.
Her collaboration with curator Jenn Ellis culminates in a solo exhibition that defies the norm, moving away from the traditional art space and blending artists with writers. Connecting with Osterling’s medium of choice, the exhibition at Shreeji Newsagents in central London becomes an immersive experience, blending the unique contributions of both artist and curator. Paper on the walls and papers in the books. Shelves filled with objects chosen by Macarena and Jenn: rocks and shells from their respective homes, ceramics accumulated over the years, and freshly picked flowers for the occasion. Conversations in Spanish and English punctuate the air as attendees immerse themselves in the intricate details of the drawings, infusing the space with another layer of multiculturalism.
The show provides an opportunity to delve into Macarena's life story as she presents a series of new works alongside drawings crafted between 2020 and 2023. Macarena herself gracefully guides viewers from one drawing to the next, discussing her inspirations and providing deeper context to what may initially seem like mere doodles. Her infectious enthusiasm enriches the experience, shedding light on the nuances of her creative process and encouraging viewers to embark on a journey through each piece alongside her.
The launch of Macarena’s book "Draughtswoman" accompanies the exhibition, written through collaboration with Estudio Blanco, a design studio headquartered in Peru. Reflecting on her creative journey, the manuscript offers a profound exploration of her artworks and inspirations, enriched by insights from architect Max Moya, a lifelong friend of Macarena, curator Jenn Ellis, who has known her in recent years, and composer Alex Mills, a new acquaintance. Thus, the book provides an even deeper, more intimate perspective on Macarena's narrative, inviting visitors to forge a closer connection with the artist and her works.
As attendees navigate the exhibition space, they're encouraged to consider not just the art but also the context—why here, why now? The fleeting nature of the show underscores the theme of ephemerality. On for a week only, it was a moment in time… reminding us that this too is okay.
Throughout her career, Macarena Rojas Osterling has showcased her works at various public and private spaces, including the Crisis Galería Lima (2019), Art Lima (2018), Museo AMANO Lima (2018), Camden Arts Center London (2017), Edinburgh College of Art (2016), Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Lima (2016), ArtBo Bogotá (2016), Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Santiago de Chile (2014), Wu Galería (2014-2015), International Center of Photography in New York (2012), Triskelion Arts in New York (2013).
To learn more about her practice, connect with Macarena Rojas Osterling via Instagram.
Lylia Hafiz
Agents of Change Co-Editor, MADE IN BED