Shirley Villavicencio Pizango (°1988), born in Lima, Peru, was raised both in the vibrant capital and the small village of Santiago De Borja in the Amazon region. At the age of eighteen, she moved to Ghent, where she completed her art studies at KASK and HISK. Her work, characterized by vibrant portraits and still lifes, is influenced by her Peruvian roots and European experiences.

Her oeuvre is a profound exploration of themes such as identity and cultural heritage. By merging different cultures, her work reflects the multifaceted nature of her life journey. The portraits, often of family and friends, are infused with tropical elements reminiscent of her childhood in the Amazon. They challenge traditional Western art narratives by portraying her subjects with dignity and strength. Through bold colors and a spontaneous painting style, Villavicencio Pizango creates works that are both familiar and emotionally charged, often carrying an underlying political or emotional message.

In her still lifes, personal artifacts and elements from her studio serve as intimate self-portraits. Here, the vase is a recurring motif, often alluding to the female body and the mystery of what might be hidden. Villavicencio Pizango plays with art historical references, inspired by masters like Matisse and Picasso, while influences of Inca culture are evident in the rich vegetation, textiles, ceramics, and geometric forms in her work.