Mater
(2013 - 2025)
We explore, research, document and interpret. By mapping territories and gathering knowledge about resources, ingredients, and people, we aim to first understand and then appreciate their value.
In doing so, we bridge gastronomy with science, the arts, humanities, and other disciplines, developing a method that looks beyond the obvious and fosters meaningful exchange. Central and Kjolle in Lima, MIL in Cusco, and MAZ in Tokyo serve as our main platforms for showcasing this work.
There is more outside
We are a team led by three individuals and composed of specialists from various fields, allowing us to apply a holistic perspective to each of our projects.
MATER_TEAM
Director
Malena Martínez
General Director
Virgilio Martinez
Director of Experimentation
Pía León
Project Director
Patricia Yraja
Director of Art and Culture Projects
Verónica Tabja
Director of I+A Projects
Lucía Sakugawa
Director of I+A Projects
Paula Cermeño
Agricultural Engineer
John Checca
Gastronomic Scientist
Angeline Gonyea
Gastronomic Scientist
Ariadna Oliveri
Theobromas Specialist
Nilver Melgarejo
Liquids Project Manager
Diego Vásquez
Liquids Researcher
Diego Villagrán
Commercial Director
Maca Pottage
Hospitality Director
Rodrigo Urbina
Administration
Mariana Espejo
Writer
Macarena Tabja
Director of Communications
Camila Novoa
Photography
Leslie Hosokawa
Communications
Maria Fernanda Málaga
Communications
Carla Ferreyra
Graphic Designer
Arianna Chang
CENTERS
02
Moray
At our headquarters in Cusco, located at Mil Centro in Moray, Maras, we conduct fieldwork that directly connects with the region's ecological, geographical, and social environment. We work closely with the local farming communities of K'acllaraccay and Mullaka's Misminay, who are an integral part of our team across various projects, including Chacra MIL, Warmi and the Ethnobotanical Catalogue.