UPDATE: The Paiz Biennial, now officially rebranded as the Guatemala Biennial, opened on November 2023, making headlines as it seeks to elevate Central American art on the global stage. In a bold move, the Paiz Foundation has flown in international journalists, curators, and collectors for the first time, aiming to spotlight the region’s artistic landscape.
Curated by Eugenio Viola, a prominent figure from the Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá, this year’s theme, titled “The World Tree,” features a record 46 artists across 11 venues in Guatemala City and Antigua. This edition marks a significant shift from previous iterations, which were largely curated by Latin Americans, reflecting the foundation’s desire for broader international recognition.
Viola’s selection of stunning venues, including colonial monasteries and government palaces, sets a dramatic backdrop for the exhibited works. Notably, the former church and monastery, La Recolección, now serves as an evocative site for artistic expression. The juxtaposition of art against Guatemala’s rich volcanic landscape and its ethnic diversity provides fertile ground for creative exploration.
Among the standout pieces is Jorge de León’s mixed-media installation, which poignantly reflects the journey of migration, symbolizing the struggles of Guatemalans seeking a better life. His work, showcasing sculpted Mayan faces on a concrete raft, evokes the harsh reality of migration, as it is easier for his sculpture to cross borders than the artist himself.
The biennial also features significant works like Kader Attia‘s installation “Intifada: The Endless Rhizomes of Revolution,” which resonates deeply amidst current global conflicts, particularly reflecting the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Despite the excitement, criticisms have emerged regarding the inclusion of international artists whose works did not resonate with local culture. Notably, Orlan‘s controversial pieces have drawn backlash for cultural appropriation, highlighting the delicate balance of representation in a global context.
The Guatemala Biennial is poised to reshape perceptions of Central American art, striving for a place in the international art circuit. As this groundbreaking event unfolds, the art world watches closely to see how these creative dialogues will evolve.
Stay tuned as more updates from the Guatemala Biennial continue to emerge, showcasing the vibrant and complex narratives that define this crucial moment in art history.
