mirrors

This handcrafted wall mirror by Alejandro Chavez is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that seamlessly blends the artistic traditions of Ayacucho, Peru, with contemporary decorative elements. Its wooden frame, meticulously hand-carved and painted, bursts with vibrant colors and delicate floral designs that elegantly frame the central composition. At its heart lies the mirror itself, radiating light and adding visual depth while reflecting not only its surroundings but also the profound cultural and spiritual connection of the Andean people to their heritage. Surrounding the mirror, intricately hand-molded and painted ceramic figurines bring to life everyday and festive scenes from rural Andean life: farmers working the land, musicians playing traditional instruments and dancers dressed in vivid regional attire. Adding further dimension, the piece prominently features a nativity scene and a depiction of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, each rendered with exquisite detail and reverence.

By Peruvian artisan Alejandro Chavez, this wall mirror celebrates the traditional nativity. In the style of traditional retablos, Chavez diligently crafts a variety of different figurines from ceramic, painted by hand within a wood frame that surrounds a mirror in the center. The upper portion of the frame depict the nativity, while the left and right sections depict scenes with angels, a villager, and a chicken. The bottom section depicts a group of villagers traveling to view the newborn child.

By Peruvian artisan Alejandro Chavez, this wall mirror celebrates the traditional nativity. In the style of traditional retablos, Chavez diligently crafts a variety of different figurines from ceramic, painted by hand within a wood frame that surrounds a mirror in the center. The upper portion of the frame depict the nativity, while the left and right sections depict a hat and a mask shop. The bottom section depicts a group of musicians dancing and playing traditional music.

Alejandro Chávez crafts a mirror frame rooted in Andean tradition. Varied scenes represent Carnavalito (Little Carnival), a celebration held in the Peruvian Andes. Musicians play traditional instruments, participants re-enact the birth of Jesus, incredible masks hang on the wall, and a couple stands beneath a towering prickly pear cactus. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. Chávez carefully models each figure from ceramic plaster and paints them by hand.

Depicted in repoussé, Buddha meditates serenely. Khalid Ali creates a sensation of total tranquility with this beautiful wall mirror. He crafts the frame of mango wood, adding the motifs in embossed brass bathed in nickel.

Mexican artisan Ana Maria Gonzalez decorates this heavenly jewelry box with an image of angels around a sacred heart using decoupage techniques. The jewelry box features a mirror on the lid and a rustic matte finish.

Balinese artist Made Pasek Kusuma Wijay chooses to express his plea for world peace in a painting depicting a woman's prayer. "The state of the world is not fine, given the many wars, conflicts between countries and very heartbreaking human tragedies," says the artist. "Let us pray sincerely that the world situation will return to peace as we strive to live a more simple, carefree life with mutual respect and tolerance between our existing differences. Despite the conditions of the world, we always yearn for peace itself.

"Galloping across a surreal mountain landscape, a team of horses carries forward the hope of an entire society from the lofty reality of the highlands to the life of the commoner below. Riding on the back of a bird resembling the Hindu god of strength, Garuda, a faceless woman prays to the divine spirits, having passed through a period of blood and turbulence. Garuda also prays with his human-like hands as if to encourage himself to continue his mission of vigilance.

"Reflected in the grass of the mountains, the woman's prayers mirror above and below the path of the raptor, symbolizing the transverse support from across the country for her mission. A handshake arises from the woman's mind in a floral accord between two immortal parties.

"In a world plagued by conflict and the horrors of violence, the woman's prayer, the subtle handshake and the impressive flight of the god of strength prescribe peace for all of humanity. Realism cannot deliver this humane desire to reality.

"Scaled to surreal proportions, the woman's prayers make multiple appearances in increasing size, while the mighty bird soars above an entire team of horses, with various hands apparent."