Cristóbal Schmal’s Collages Tell Ancient Andean Stories

Artist Cristóbal Schmal was born in northern Chile and grew up far from the hostile political environment in his country at the time. His parents chose to live close to the Peruvian border in hopes of a better future. He later moved to Valparaíso where he studied graphic design, moving to Barcelona several years later.

Schmal couldn’t settle for a while and he always traveled between continents and countries before finally settling in Berlin and starting a life with his partner. Berlin gave him the confidence he needed to become a professional illustrator and became his new home.

“I grew up in this oasis surrounded on one side by the Andes Mountains and on the other side, the Pacific Ocean,” the artist told It’s Nice That. His art today is inspired by the ancient stories from the Andes and many cultures he met through travel. Scroll down to see it.