The Paiz Art Biennial (BAP) is an event that has left a significant mark on art history in Guatemala. It is the sixth oldest art biennial in the world and the second in America.
Since 1978, the Paiz Art Biennial has been a platform for the presentation of free exhibitions and various activities. Therefore, the artists who participate in the call aspire to obtain a space where they can show their talent
The initiative has sought that there are different platforms that lead to see art from different perspectives. Talks, exhibitions, tours in which it is bicycle, among other alternatives.
The next edition, number 24, will be carried out from November 6 from 2025 to February 15, 2026in Guatemala City and Antigua Guatemaladates that coincide with school holidays and tourist visit to the country.
International Curator arrives at the Paiz Art Biennale
One of the first news that arose about this edition was the participation of the curator Eugenio ViolaItalian art critic specialized in experiences and theories related to Performance and body poetics.
Viola has a doctorate in methods and methodologies of archaeological and historical-artistic research from the University of Salerno and has cured more than 100 exhibitions worldwide, including the Pavilion of Italy at the 59 Biennial of Venice (2022) and the Estonia pavilion in the 56 Biennial of Venice (2015). Currently, he is the artistic director of the Museum of Modern Art of Bogotá (Mambo), in Colombia.
“I know the Paiz Art Biennial and its importance since I was a student. He is among the most relevant events at the regional level and has never stopped, even during the internal war in Guatemala,” Viola explains.
The curator indicates that about 140 applications were received, of which 55 met all the requirements to be preselected. The commission in charge of evaluating the proposals was made up of Ilaria Conti, Executive Director and Curator in Chief of the New Factory, in Antigua Guatemala; the artist Sandra Monterroso; Waseem Syed, Paiz Foundation curator, and Viola himself.
“They have applied recognized and trajectory artists, which is a testimony of the work of the Foundation. The Biennial is still considered a great opportunity,” adds the curator.
Which Guatemalan artists will participate in 2025?
The 24 Paiz Art Biennial (BAP), entitled The tree of the worldit is a proposal that stands as a universal symbol of our interconnection through cultures, time and space. Inspired by ancient cosmogony, this representation transcends traditional borders by illustrating how the spiritual, material, individual and collective areas are intertwined in shared human experience.
For now, the names of six Guatemalan artists have been confirmed: Jeffry Can, Jorge de León, María Adela Díaz, Verónica Riedel, Balam Soto and Martín Wannam. We share below some of the expressions they have made known in their social networks.
The complete list of artists who will participate will be announced in April 2025.
In a brief poll on social networks we will see part of the activity that each of them has presented.
Jeffry can
Originally from Patzicia, Chimaltenango. “I will be part of this Paiz Art Biennial. For me it implies a challenge but some emotion of knowing that Patzicia will be in a narrative and conversion,” shares the artist. On Instagram your channel is @Jeffcanxicay.
Jorge de León
One of his last exhibitions in the new factory, in Antigua Guatemala. It is described as a new creation with pre -existing pieces, reflecting on the historical, political and symbolic meaning of the ancient.
María Adela Díaz
Díaz uses his body as a starting point to explore the complex essence and sublimity of the female body, his work indicates issues that address Latin American migration, shows the role women in contemporary societies.
Verónica Riedel
Artist and filmmaker. His works have been exhibited in prestigious museums, galleries and art fairs worldwide and are part of important public and private collections in Guatemala, Latin America, Europe and the United States.
Balam Soto
Explore the art of new media. The artist’s creations are interactive and characterized by a dynamic light, sound and design game that invite reflection.
Martín Wannam
Visual artist and educator who exposes topics such as the historical, social and political climate of Guatemala, focusing on the dream of individual’s freedom. His work is through the tools of photography, sculpture and Performance.