Feliz quinceañera 2024
Feliz Quinceañera is a vibrant painting that celebrates the rich traditions of Latin culture. The quinceañera, a significant coming-of-age celebration for girls across Latin America, is marked by extravagant parties and colorful dresses, most popularly portrayed by Mexican culture but shared by many countries in the region. This piece reflects the beauty of these traditions, emphasizing their cultural significance. While much of my work carries a political tone, this painting explores the joyful and celebratory aspects of being South American. A large-scale work, it served as the centerpiece of my final thesis project, blending cultural pride with artistic expression.
Mi Tierra no de vende 2024
This painting is inspired by the Amazon jungle and its native communities, celebrating its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and mesmerizing beauty. The vibrant colors are designed to captivate the viewer, while its large scale evokes the immensity of the jungle, making one feel small in its presence. However, beneath the initial allure lies a deeper narrative. Blank boxes painted with skulls symbolize the destruction of the Amazon and its indigenous peoples, reflecting the contamination of rivers from mining, oil extraction, and drug production. The exported fruits and boxes critique the exploitation of natural resources, leaving little for the communities that work the land. At the center, a chained figure represents the era del caucho (rubber boom), during which thousands of indigenous people were enslaved.
Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.
Ursula Mur
Peru
Ursula Mur (Lima, Peru, 1990) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans painting, ceramics, and printmaking. Her practice explores social, racial, and political issues in Latin America, focusing on amplifying marginalized voices and fostering empathy through art. By celebrating the richness of Latin American culture and addressing systemic injustices, Mur highlights art's power to educate and unite.
Mur studied at Corriente Alterna (Lima, 2008–2010) before moving to New York, where she honed her skills in abstract painting and printmaking at The Art Students League, learning under Charles Hinman and Larry Poons. She later founded Espacio 22 in Lima (2016–2020), a vital platform for emerging artists, while also advancing her ceramics practice.
Her residencies include AGALAB (Amsterdam, 2021) and Ceramic Kingdom (Berlin, 2022). After completing a certificate at the New York Academy of Art (2024), she is preparing for upcoming residencies in Mexico City and France .