Kukuli Velarde’s work consists of ceramic figures reminiscent of pre-Columbian terracotta figurines from her native Peru. These figurines are recast to address a diversity of contemporary subjects, from post-colonial identity and gender relations to personal introspection. Velarde chooses to work in clay because of its history as a humble material rooted in folk traditions. Velarde's sculptures often explore the differences between idealism and the reality of social and personal situations. From the Series:What Follows