Global Courant
This XXIII Paiz Art Biennial began in March, with a preparation that integrated not only the organizers but also the voice of the artists and also an approach to other groups that were connected to various activities, which paved the way for the final exhibitions of this activity that will close on July 30.
The entire program was based on a fragment of the poem I was born a woman, by the Guatemalan writer Maya Cú: “I drank words submerged in dreams.”
Based on this, the more than 130 pieces were chosen by curators Francine Birbragher-Rozencwaig and Juan Canela, as well as an innovative proposal called Shared Knowledge, with resources to gradually bring the public closer to the great event. The latter was led by the
psychologist Esperanza de León.
Shared knowledge included more than 40 activities. In the first part, the ideas were given with conversations and work teams, then an approach was made trying to offer resources to understand the content that would be presented and there were also spaces to share with the artists by creating workshops and reading club sessions, to give some examples.
The agenda is extensive and we highlight some points to consider if you plan to attend this event that has positioned itself among the most outstanding art in the region. It is possible to request guided tours in groups larger than 15 people.
The Guatemalan artist is in Zurich and will soon be part of the Biennale in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Part of the Marilyn Boror show at the Paiz Art Biennial is titled a line of research entitled: Water made us concrete. (Free Press Photo: Alejandro Ortiz López)
“I invite you to attend the Biennial in which you have the opportunity to explore the work of artists from different countries. It’s an effort that happens every two years and is only open for two weeks. It is the opportunity to see modern art because we do not have many spaces for it, even our Carlos Mérida Museum of Modern Art is falling apart (the museum has been under restoration since 2022)”, says the artist Marilyn Boror who participates with her work in the activity
Boror is currently in Zurich, Switzerland as part of an artist residency at 25Hours Hotel and came at the invitation of Andreas Wagner, curator; Seline Fulscher, artist and manager and Esther Eppstein, curator. Next September he will also be with his work at the Sao Paulo Biennial.
The lines of research that give life to the work of Marilyn Boror Bor place her as a contemporary artist who expresses herself from a critique of society in its history, injustices, and various observations.
Integrate more into the Biennale
Within the novelties of this activity we detail four important points that you should know.
1. A number for exclusive topics
One of the great innovations is the creation of a WhatsApp number so that people can receive excerpts, audios, and exclusive information about the works that are going to be exhibited. To join write to the phone (502) 3589-2415, or in the link This has been joined by people from other countries.
2. Women who stand out
Live the work of five pioneering women artists who began to develop their work during the 60s and 70s of the last century, they constitute a starting point. Margarita Azurdia, Ana Mendieta, Fina Miralles, María Thereza Negreiros and Cecilia Vicuña have or left revolutionary proposals that serve as inspiration, stimulate conversations and generate encounters with artists from younger generations.
3. Hearing impairment
On Wednesday, July 26, the venues in the capital city will have a sign language interpreter who will guide people with hearing disabilities.
A piece by Elizar Ortiz Roa, Kanoa Kó and is a reflection on the Dominican-Haitian border landscape and covers the dynamics of cultural and economic exchanges that are generated in the markets located on these borders, as well as in the transformation of ecosystems. (Free Press Photo: Ingrid Reyes)
4. A window to the foreigner
The presence of more than 100 people from abroad was confirmed, including artists, curators, gallery directors, collectors, representatives of internationally renowned museums, foundations, institutions and cultural media such as the Los Angeles Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Zonamaco, TMAC Panama, Folha de S. Paulo, ArtReview, among others.
Where to attend?
To find out about each of the activities, go to bienaldeartepaiz.org.
Guatemala City Branches:
Cultural Center of Spain (CCE), Lux Building, 6a. 11-02 avenue, zone 1. Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Álvaro Arzú Irigoyen Municipal Cultural Center, 7a. 11-67 avenue, zone 1. Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Portal Gallery, 6a. avenue between 6a. and 8a. street, zone 1. Monday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Headquarters Antigua Guatemala:
Spanish Cooperation Training Center (CFCE) 6a. North avenue between 3a. and 4a. street (Old College of the Company of Jesus). Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
La Nueva Fábrica, Plazuela Central de Santa Ana #55, Aldea Santa Ana. Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
