Marita Palomino, a Peruvian poet and artist of notable acclaim, has established herself as a remarkable figure in the fields of literature and the visual arts. Born with a passion for both poetry and the fine arts, Palomino’s work seamlessly blends her literary talent with her expertise in painting and sculpture, creating a unique fusion of expression that spans across various artistic disciplines. Her multifaceted career is a testament to her deep-rooted commitment to both the cultural heritage of Peru and the exploration of universal themes through her art.
Palomino’s artistic journey began at the prestigious National School of Fine Arts (Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes) in Peru, where she graduated with a specialization in Painting and Sculpture. This solid foundation in the visual arts equipped her with the technical skills and creative vision necessary to craft works that are both evocative and profound. She furthered her academic pursuits by studying Psychology at Garcilaso de la Vega University, where she deepened her understanding of the human psyche, an influence that is evident in the emotional depth and introspective quality of her poetry and artwork. In addition, Palomino completed specialized studies in Art Education at ENSABAP, further enriching her ability to communicate and teach through her chosen mediums.
In addition to her accomplishments as a visual artist and poet, Palomino has made significant contributions to the performing arts. She is a member of the “Monólogos Femeninos” collective, a group that brings to life significant female figures from literature and history through dramatic monologues. Within this collective, Palomino has embodied the iconic characters of Madame Bovary from Gustave Flaubert’s novel and Micaela Bastidas, a revolutionary heroine from Peruvian history. Her performances are accompanied by authentic period costumes, adding a layer of historical accuracy and artistic dedication to her portrayals.
Palomino’s artistic endeavors also extend into the realm of dance. She is a certified Dance Instructor specializing in Marinera Norteña, a traditional Peruvian dance that celebrates the coastal culture of the region. Palomino’s expertise in this dance form, acquired through the Cultural Center of the Teaching Profession (Centro Cultural del Magisterio), reflects her commitment to preserving and promoting Peruvian traditions, while her diverse skill set underscores her versatility as an artist.
Throughout her career, Palomino has garnered numerous accolades for her work in both the visual and literary arts. Her ceramic artistry earned her First Place in the Bank of Credit of Peru’s “Tribute to Santa Rosa de Lima” competition, an honor that highlights her proficiency in ceramics and her connection to the spiritual and cultural traditions of her country. She also received a Second Honorable Mention in the Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Drug Trophy Contest, and was awarded in the UNFPA’s “Key Population of the 21st Century” poster competition, showcasing her ability to address contemporary social issues through her art.
In literature, Palomino has been equally recognized for her poetic achievements. She has won national awards, including a prize from the Scriptura competition and Third Place in the ICPNA’s Children’s Poetry Contest, further cementing her status as an influential voice in Peruvian poetry. Most recently, in August 2024, Palomino earned Third Place in the IX ICPNA Children’s Poetry Biennial with her work La Gran Casa de Todos, a significant accomplishment in the realm of children’s literature. The virtual award ceremony took place on October 18, 2021, where Palomino’s talent was once again celebrated on a national stage.
Palomino’s literary contributions have taken various forms, from poetry collections to anthologies. Her published works include Vida áVida, Convicta y Confesa, and Micaela de Pólvora y Esperanza, the latter being a poetic homage to the life of Micaela Bastidas, a key figure in Peru’s struggle for independence. Through these works, Palomino explores themes of identity, resilience, and cultural heritage, offering readers an intimate glimpse into both personal and national histories.
As a literary director, Palomino curated and contributed to the anthology Los Trece del Cuento, which features a collection of short stories that highlight the richness of Latin American narrative traditions. Her dedication to nurturing and promoting the literary arts extends beyond her own writing, as she also serves as the Director of the Artistic Collective Artemisa. This collective is dedicated to developing painting and sculpture projects for art galleries, creating a space for emerging artists to showcase their work and contribute to Peru’s vibrant artistic landscape.
Palomino’s influence is not confined to Peru; she regularly participates in national and international literary congresses, colloquiums, and events. Her involvement in the itinerant poetry dissemination project across Ecuador and Mexico with a group of Latin American writers exemplifies her commitment to sharing the richness of Latin American poetry with a global audience. Through these cross-cultural exchanges, Palomino helps to strengthen the bonds between Latin American countries, fostering a shared artistic identity while celebrating the unique cultural contributions of each nation.
As a member of the PEN International Writers’ Commission, Palomino is also an advocate for freedom of expression and the protection of writers’ rights around the world. Her role in this prestigious organization underscores her dedication to the literary arts and her belief in the power of words to effect change in society.
Marita Palomino’s artistic journey is one of continuous growth, exploration, and passion. Whether through her poetry, painting, sculpture, or performances, Palomino seeks to bridge the gap between past and present, tradition and innovation, individual experience and collective memory. Her works are a reflection of her deep connection to Peruvian culture, yet they resonate with universal themes that speak to the human condition. As both a creator and educator, Palomino’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of artists and poets to explore their own identities, histories, and creative potential.
In a world where the boundaries between artistic disciplines are increasingly fluid, Marita Palomino stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary creativity. Through her work, she continues to celebrate the richness of life, culture, and the human spirit—both in Peru and beyond.
