Cuenca artist Jaime Lara is launching a new artistic collection that transforms the birds of Cajas National Park into a complete illustrated deck of playing cards.
The project features 53 watercolor paintings inspired by bird species found in the protected highland ecosystem west of Cuenca, continuing Lara’s long-running artistic focus on local culture, landscapes, and identity.
The collection will officially be presented beginning May 13, 2026.
To create the series, Lara conducted research into local ornithology and used specialized books about the birdlife of the Cajas region as references for the illustrations.
The deck includes species such as the Andean condor, Ecuadorian parrot, high Andean bluebird, peregrine falcon, Andean toucan, hummingbirds, and owls.
Each playing card will display both the scientific name and the regional common name of the bird represented, combining artistic work with educational value.
Lara said the idea behind using playing cards is to bring art into everyday life and make it accessible to a wider audience.
The Cuenca-based artist is known for portraying elements closely tied to the city’s cultural identity, including churches, altarpieces, traditional games, and historic neighborhoods.
Over the years, his work has appeared in galleries, exhibitions, and printed artistic collections centered on Cuenca’s heritage and traditions.
The official launch and sales presentation for the new bird-themed deck will take place at the Casa de la Lira cultural center in the El Vado neighborhood of Cuenca.
Each deck will be sold for $30.
Lara also plans to organize a larger exhibition in November 2026 featuring the original watercolor paintings used for the cards. The exhibition is expected to include all 53 artworks in A5 format and will likely be held at the same cultural center.
The project highlights both the biodiversity of Cajas National Park and the growing effort among local artists to connect Ecuador’s natural heritage with accessible cultural and educational initiatives.