Tupac Amaru, whose name translates as “Shining Serpent,” was the last Inca leader in Peru and a powerful symbol of resistance against Spanish colonial rule. Captured and executed in 1572, his death marked a tragic moment in the conquest of the Americas, but also transformed him into an enduring figure of strength, dignity, and hope for his people.
This painting reflects that duality: violence and resilience, oppression and spiritual power, destruction and legacy. Through bold color, symbolic form, and layered ornamentation, I wanted to create a visual presence that feels both ceremonial and defiant. The face becomes more than a portrait - it is a representation of cultural memory, ancestral force, and the enduring spirit of resistance.
The work is a tribute to Tupac Amaru not only as a historical figure, but as a symbol of identity, survival, and the power of collective remembrance.





