Paraguay takes centre stage at the first major exhibition of Latin American applied arts in Europe

On Wednesday 6 May, the exhibition The Soul of Objects — Applied Arts from Latin America opened at the GRASSI Museum in Leipzig, marking an unprecedented milestone: the first exhibition of such scope and perspective dedicated to Latin American applied arts ever presented in Europe. The Republic of Paraguay had a prominent presence in the show.

Curated by Luján Cambariere and open to the public until 27 September 2026, the exhibition brings together nearly 200 works and projects by 56 contributors — individual artists, designers and indigenous communities — from 13 countries across the region. Its main thematic axes are sustainability and the environment, culture and identity, and the spiritual world.

Paraguay was represented by a selection of extraordinary diversity: wood carvings and pyroengravings by the Aché community of Puerto Barra, with Simón Pychangui as their representative; filigree jewellery by the Toni Gi brand, created by designer Antonella Scavone; ceramics by Julia Isidrez; works by Pedro Barrail; a large piece by the ñandutí lace masters of Itauguá — Filomena Paganis, Brígida Fretes, Emigdia Espínola and Lucía González; and masks created by the children of Banda Kamba'i in Tobatí.

During the opening ceremony, authorities from the city of Leipzig, the GRASSI Museum and curator Luján Cambariere gave Paraguay a specially prominent place and expressed their appreciation to the Paraguayan Institute of Handicrafts (IPA), the participating artists and the Embassy for their active contribution to making Paraguay's presence in the exhibition possible.

Ambassador Fernando Acosta Díaz led the diplomatic delegation present at the opening, together with IPA President Andrea Vázquez; IPA Presidential Adviser Lila Saurini; and Simón Pychangui.

The Embassy of Paraguay in Germany celebrates this achievement as recognition of the richness and vitality of Paraguayan culture, and as a concrete step in strengthening cultural ties between Paraguay and Europe.