Tilsa Tsuchiya Castillo, the enigmatic Peruvian artist, now appears on the 200 sole bill. Noted as a prominent Peruvian-Japanese artist of the 20th century, her presence stands out on the back of the bill along with the diverse flora and fauna of the country.
Recognized for her unique style, Tilsa Tsuchiya won notable awards and established herself as one of the most outstanding Peruvian artists in history. Born in Supe, Chancay province, in 1928, Tilsa was the daughter of Yoshigoro Tsuchiya, a Japanese diplomatic doctor who arrived in Peru in 1905, and María Luisa Castillo, a Peruvian with Chinese roots.
From an early age, Tilsa demonstrated artistic abilities, beginning her studies at the National School of Fine Arts in Lima in 1947. Her unique personality and style distinguished her during her time as a student.
The engraver and painter, an influential figure of the 20th century, received the Great Gold Medal in Painting from the Class of 1959, and while still a student, she obtained the Second Prize from the Municipal Hall in 1957.
Tilsa Tsuchiya's work was influenced by popular culture, social realism and indigenism, fused with her Japanese origins, Quechua mythology and pre-Columbian art that she found attractive. His figurative representations, whether dramatic or mysterious, reflected his vision of the external universe as a projection of his internal world.