Maria (aka Palach)

"Maria" was born in Ancash, Peru in 1958. He graduated from the National Art School of Bellas Arts in Lima in 1985 and later served as an art teacher at the same school. He studied Theology for three years at a Lima seminary but decided to pursue a career in art before completion.

He never abandoned his deep sense of spirituality, however, which is reflected in many of his paintings. Maria has done several exhibitions in Peru, and, as a prolific artist, has paintings in collections and galleries around the world.

The very rich textures of his work, achieved through layers of paint and texturizing, render wonderfully romantic and Old World aspects.