The 24th Bienal de Arte Paiz in Antigua and Guatemala City, Guatemala, has been a significant event in the country’s cultural calendar this fall. With a theme inspired by the myth of the tree of life, the biennial showcased the work of 46 artists from over 15 countries across 10 venues. Curated by Eugenio Viola, the exhibition aimed to highlight the interconnectedness of different aspects of society, drawing on ancient cosmogonies and Mayan symbolism.
One of the standout installations at La Nueva Fabrica was Patricia Belli’s “Multitudes,” a suspended quilt made from used clothing and lace, symbolizing destruction and repair. Luz Lizarazo’s mural “Wander” depicted a mesmerizing combination of animals, plants, and earth and sky realms. Balam Soto’s interactive video installation “Kukulkan” explored Mayan mythology through sensory language and data interactivity.
The Museo Arte Colonial and the National Museum of Guatemalan Art featured elaborate installations by artists like Naufus Ramírez-Figueroa and Voluspa Jarpa, addressing themes of colonial history and territorial memory. At the Centro de Formación de Cooperación Española, Antonio Pichillà’s “Dancing with a Stone” highlighted the connection between dance and nature.
In Guatemala City, the biennial continued with works by Veronica Riedel and Adji Dieye, exploring Morse code and Mayan architectural fractals. Performances by Regina José Galindo and Carlos Martiel added a powerful narrative to the exhibition, addressing issues of censorship and genocide.
Despite some criticism of the event, including the dominance of English and the lack of representation of Guatemalan artists, the 24th Bienal de Arte Paiz succeeded in creating a dialogue between local and international artists. The theme of the world tree served as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment, resonating with visitors from different backgrounds.
The biennial will run through February 15 at various venues in Antigua and Guatemala City. Curated by Eugenio Viola, the exhibition offers a unique perspective on contemporary art and its relevance to global issues.
