Rafael Freyre studied architecture at Ricardo Palma University, Lima, Peru; later acquiring a Masters in Fine Arts at Plymouth University, Plymouth, England, and Piet Zwart Institute, Rotterdam, Holland. At Piet Zwart Institute, he developed research on migration and mobility where he was awarded the 2007 Promotion Prize. His professional appointments include Architect and Designer at ING Art Management and Rotterdam Arts Council, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Massimo Fuksas Architetto, Rome, Italy; followed by a period in New York City and Bali with theater director Robert Wilson. In 2021 he participated in the 22nd ‘Bienal de Arte Paiz’, and in 2022 in the 23rd Biennale of Sydney ‘Rivus’, both together with artist Ana Barboza. Today, he is Creative Director at RF Studio, where he leads a team developing projects that integrate architecture and art.

1. Where were you born and where are you from ?

I was born in Lima, Peru, near the beach, in a neighborhood called Magdalena del Mar. It was summer, March 9, 1978.

2. What is your first memory connected to the art world ?

Since childhood, I felt a strong connection with the sea, animals, and plants. However, my true artistic awakening came at 13 when I discovered theater. Acting for the first time was my introduction to the world of art.

3. Have you always worked in the art/design field ?

I started as an actor but soon realized the need to design stages, props, objects, and costumes for theatrical productions. This led me to study architecture to develop those skills. At 20, while in New York, I met theater director Robert Wilson—an inspiring figure who was both a designer and an actor.

4. What led you to the design creation ?

Acting is about inhabiting the present, experiencing the moment fully without anticipation or fear. This perspective shaped my approach to design—I aim to create experiences, actions, and rituals for the body and senses rather than just objects or spaces.

5. How would you describe your creative process and it influences ?

My creative process flows like a river, always leading me to new places. I remain open, intuitive, and unafraid of the unknown. Nature is my greatest influence—being outdoors, especially at sea, allows for unexpected encounters that inspire my work.

6. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?

7:00 AM– Wake up, meditate, and practice yoga for 30 minutes. 

Morning– Surfing or spending time in open nature. 

9:30 AM– Matcha or Peruvian herbal tea, cacao (I’m addicted to pure chocolate). 

Work– I head to my studio or begin sketching, writing, or problem-solving for ongoing projects. Delegating tasks now gives me more time to focus on new ideas. 

Evening– I enjoy social time, visiting theater performances, art exhibitions, or dancing and music events. 

Lifestyle – I travel often, embracing a nomadic way of living, always open to new cultures and influences.

7. Why did you choose the specific materials you work with ?

Natural materials stimulate my senses and imagination. Growing up in Latin America, near the Equator, I was surrounded by incredible biodiversity—plants, animals, landscapes. I seek that same richness in the materials I use.

8. What are the technical particularities of your creations ?

I develop techniques that challenge traditional beauty by using waste materials, organic elements, raw textures, and ancient pre-industrial methods. Handmade processes allow each piece to have variation and uniqueness.

9. What advices could you give to beginning artists who would like to create sculptural design works ?

Follow your instincts, intuition, and emotions—without fear.

10. If your works had to belong to a design movement, in which one would you define it ?

Perhaps Land Art, as I work with performance, natural materials, and landscapes.

11. What designers and artists have influenced you ?

My biggest influences come from my personal experiences rather than the design world itself:  Pre-Columbian architecture , Traditional fiber artisans who craft boats on the coast, Archaeological textiles and ceramics from Peru, Amazonian wildlife 

Artists who inspire me: Francesca Woodman (photography), Robert Wilson (theater), Isamu Noguchi (sculpture), Marlon Brando (acting), Maya Deren (video art), Hélio Oiticica (visual art)

12. What contemporary designers do you appreciate ?

Lately, I find more inspiration in music: Hermanos Gutiérrez, Khruangbin, Beach House, Alice Phoebe Lou, Cigarettes After Sex Music creates immersive sensory experiences—something I strive for in design.

13. What contemporary artists (in any kind of art) have you been inspired by ?

Actors – Marlon Brando, Monica Vitti, Jeanne Moreau, Balinese dancers, shadow puppet performers, Filmmakers – Michelangelo Antonioni, Jim Jarmusch, Carlos Reygadas, Artists – Ana Mendieta, Maya Deren, Leonor Antúnez, Photographers – Sally Mann, Francesca Woodman, Robert Frank, Martín Chambi, Architects – Vladimir Ossipoff, Richard Neutra, Carla Juaçaba, Fashion Designers – Hedi Slimane, Jil Sander, Raf Simons

14. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?

Actor, playing roles.

15. Anything you’d like to add?

Creation is a collective act—I am grateful to my team.

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)

11. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Find the way, do it.”

12. Which talent would you most like to have?

Playing music.

13. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Nothing—I embrace imperfection.

14. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Continuing to explore.

15. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

Whatever the universe decides.

16. Where would you most like to live?

By the sea—Lobitos Beach, Bali.

17. What is your most treasured possession?

My home and my rituals.

18. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Not living in the present.

19. What is your favorite occupation?

Surfing, acting, drawing, gardening.

20. What is your most marked characteristic?

Curiosity.

21. What do you most value in your friends?

Sincerity.

22. Who are your favorite writers?

Luis Hernández, Edouard Glissant, Gilles Deleuze, María Emilia Cornejo.

23. Who is your hero of fiction?

Alice in Wonderland, Tarzan & Jane.

24. Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Túpac Yupanqui, the Inca traveler.

25. Who are your heroes in real life?

Explorers, travelers, adventurers.

26. What are your favorite names?

Dafne, Adriano, Ulises, Ariadna, Penélope, Marina, Calipso, Moana.

27. What is it that you most dislike?

Closed spaces.

28. What is your greatest regret?

None.

29. How would you like to die?

In open nature.

30. What is your motto?

Enjoy the journey.