“RETURNING HOME”: HANDS OF PARAGUAYAN INDIGENOUS TRADITION IN BUENOS AIRES
Around 100 artisans and artists came together to create an exhibition that reflects the heritage and contemporary identity of Paraguay at the Cultural Center of the Republic of Paraguay.
The Cultural Center of the Republic of Paraguay in Buenos Aires recently hosted the launch of the exhibition Returning Home: A Sensitive Cartography of Paraguay, a permanent and free-access display that brings together contemporary, folk, and Indigenous art—offering a true reflection of Paraguay’s multicultural richness and its diasporas.
The exhibition features textiles, basketry, ceramics, and wood carvings by renowned artisans, artists, and cultural ambassadors from various regions of the country. Highlights include Mbya Guaraní basketry, Nivaclé weaving, the Poncho Para’i de 60 listas, Ao po’i, traditional sashes, and the diamond-patterned weaving of Carapeguá—revived after more than half a century of disuse. Also on display are ceramics by Julia Isídrez, Gumersinda Irala, Ediltrudis and Carolina Noguera; apyka Paî Tavyterã benches crafted by Leónido Benítez; wood carvings by the Aché people; feather art by the Ishir people; and ballpoint pen drawings by Nivaclé artists such as Faustino Ortiz, Richart Peralta, and Florencio Giménez, among others.
A central piece of the exhibition is Tejer Raíces (Weaving Roots), a collaborative work created by 14 Paraguayan women artisans living in Buenos Aires. This collective ñandutí textile artwork depicts fauna, flora, and narratives of migration and displacement, symbolizing continuity, memory, and the power of tradition to transcend borders.
The collection on display in Buenos Aires includes works previously presented at Expo Dubai 2020 and at the CAF House of Integration in Asunción. The opening ceremony began with a tribute to the creators of Tejer Raíces. In her remarks, Ambassador Helena Felip emphasized the importance of showcasing artisan work and highlighted the role of the Paraguayan diaspora in preserving and reinventing cultural traditions.
The event was attended by Adriana Ortiz, Minister of Culture of Paraguay; Ana Baiardi, CAF’s Manager of Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Andrea Vázquez, President of the Paraguayan Institute of Handicrafts, who joined in presenting credentials and recognitions to the artisans. Argentine authorities also took part, including Leonardo Cifelli (National Secretary of Culture), Gastón Pulero (National Director of Federal Integration and International Cooperation), Gabriela Ricardes (Minister of Culture of Buenos Aires City), and Congressman Fernando Abbate.
During the ceremony, it was announced that the Argentine National Congress declared the exhibition of cultural interest, underscoring its role in strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. The program also included a Guarania tribute performed by pianist Guillermo Cardozo Ocampos, a special acknowledgment to the Abente family for donating José Asunción Flores’ piano to the Cultural Center, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by CAF representatives.
Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Secretariat of Culture, and the Paraguayan Institute of Handicrafts, with the support of CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, this initiative seeks to strengthen Paraguayan cultural identity and its international projection.
The exhibition, open Monday to Friday at Tucumán 1833, Buenos Aires, is part of the city’s cultural circuit and stands as a living bridge between Paraguay and Argentina, inviting audiences to experience the creativity, traditions, and cultural diversity of the Paraguayan people.
Related Topics
May interest you
PINTA ASUNCIÓN IN NUMBERS: FOUR EDITIONS THAT CONSOLIDATE THE PARAGUAYAN ART SCENE
Since its launch in 2022, Pinta Asunción has established itself as a key platform for contemporary art in Paraguay: four consecutive editions, over 25 artistic spaces, 30 prominent local artists, 70 international guests, and a program combining exhibitions, talks, and citywide activations.
PINTA ASUNCIÓN ART WEEK 2025: THE FINAL EDITION OF A CYCLE THAT TRANSFORMED THE PARAGUAYAN ART SCENE
From September 10 to 13, Pinta Asunción celebrates its fourth and final edition. Conceived as part of Pinta’s Art Weeks structure, the initiative was extended one more year at the request of the local art community, opening new opportunities for collaboration in Paraguay.
PINTA ASUNCIÓN ART WEEK RETURNS, THE MOST IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL ART EVENT IN PARAGUAY
Pinta Asunción Art Week, formerly known as Pinta Sud | ASU, will take place this year from September 10 to 13, marking its fourth edition. With its extensive contemporary art and cultural programming spread across the city, the event invites attendees to discover an ever-growing artistic scene alongside Paraguay’s unique cultural, culinary, and tourism traditions.
ARTEBA: AT THE CENTER OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Youth, performance, and permanence: Argentina’s most important art fair has opened at Centro Costa Salguero and will run until August 31.
KARA WALKER'S SILHOUETTES AT FUNDACIÓN PROA: HISTORY, POWER, AND REPRESENTATION
For the first time in Argentina and South America, Fundación Proa presents an exhibition dedicated to the American artist, one of the most influential figures in contemporary international art.
GALLERY RETURNS TO PALERMO AND VILLA CRESPO FOR ITS SECOND 2025 EDITION
The cultural event turns Buenos Aires into a vibrant art route: galleries, museums, artist studios, and independent spaces open their doors with free activities and special programs.
FEDERICO BROOK: BETWEEN ROME AND LATIN AMERICA AT MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES
Featuring nearly fifty works, the exhibition explores Brook’s “clouds” series and his interest in integrating sculpture into architecture and public space.
