Artist Spotlight - Mónica Graciela Esther Peñafiel Chichizola

Aug 22

Aug 22 Artist Spotlight - Mónica Graciela Esther Peñafiel Chichizola

Biography

Mónica Peñafiel is an artist who developed her expressive skills from an early age in school painting competitions, earning public recognition and awards. After completing her secondary studies, Mónica Peñafiel matriculated at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru at the age of 17. There she connected with well-known local artists of the 80s and 90s who became her teachers, following the current of the Bauhaus School.

Siblings, 2024. Oil on canvas, 135 x 98 cms

This influence marked her conceptual and expressive development. She graduated with a Bachelor of Plastic Arts and a minor in graphic design. She worked in design for a short time until the pull to create artistically became too strong. Years later, she attended a painting academy, where she received the necessary instruction to express herself with realistic figures in the oil technique.

The Legacy 1, 2025. Oil on canvas, 121 x 92cms

Since 2012, Mónica has been creating art primarily inspired by the children and adolescents with whom she interacts in her teaching job in a private school in Lima-Peru, her hometown. Mónica has exhibited three times in Lima and currently shows her work virtually on the Art Majeur platform.

The Legacy 2, 2025. Oil on canvas 167 x 94 cms

Artist Statement

This artistic endeavor is a tribute to the quiet, profound moments shared with those who shape my world. I am captivated by the beauty found in the everyday—the subtle glances, laughter, and silent companionship that form the foundation of our closest relationships. Through my art, I capture the essence of these brief, yet impactful, interactions.

Self- Portrait, 2024. Oil on canvas, 137 x 118cms

Rather than a literal depiction, each piece is a recreation, designed to immortalize the emotional weight of a specific memory. I am drawn to the delicate, temporary quality of these moments, knowing they leave a lasting impression on my mind. I use light, color, and texture to convey the warmth, comfort, and vulnerability within these connections.

Providence, 2023. Oil on canvas, 116 x 95cms

My creative process is a way of holding onto what is beautiful and ephemeral, ensuring it is not lost to time. Each stroke or line is an act of appreciation, acknowledging how deeply these personal ties enrich my existence. Ultimately, my art is a celebration of human connection and the enduring power of memory, inviting viewers to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

https://monicas-artwork.com/home/