The “Mamalas” collection by Valentina Campos is a vibrant and deeply spiritual exploration of Andean cosmology and the sacred feminine. Each painting in this series embodies a “Mamala,” a mother spirit intimately connected to nature, specific plants, and the life-giving forces of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Drawing inspiration from ancient songs and traditions of North Potosi, Bolivia, these artworks personify different seeds, plants, and elements as powerful female figures.

From Mamala Oca, “The Weaver” who spins colourful threads from the Ukupacha (inner world), to Mamala Quinua, an ancient and potent spirit capable of dispelling curses, each Mamala reveals unique characteristics and gifts. We encounter Mamala Killkiña, playful and fragrant, Mamala Ulluma, mischievous and colourful, and Mamala Wak’a, offering mysteries to sacred altars. Other Mamalas embody concepts like ancient wisdom (Mamala Kiwicha), abundance (Mamala Coca), the mystery of corn (Mamala K’ulli), fire and wildness (Mamala Ullupika), and the vibrant colours of the Amazon (Mamala Urukum).

Through these paintings, Valentina Campos invites viewers to connect with the ancestral reverence for nature and the feminine divine inherent in Andean culture. The “Mamalas” are not merely representations of plants; they are living spirits, guardians of seeds, and embodiments of fertility, sustenance, and the cyclical rhythms of life. The collection also includes “Illa Tunupa,” a powerful androgynous mountain spirit, and “Mamala Azapa,” an ancestral protector, further expanding the rich tapestry of Andean spiritual figures within this compelling body of work. Together, these paintings form a powerful ode to the interconnectedness of nature, spirit, and the enduring strength of the feminine.