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SPECIAL EXHIBITION

07.05.–27.09.2026

THE SOUL OF OBJECTS  

Applied Arts from Latin America

The exhibition shows for the first time in Europe the range of applied art from a Latin American perspective. The focus here is on the diversity of materials and techniques, as well as the social and political aspects of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts in Latin America.

About 200 works and projects by 56 individual artists, designers and indigenous communities will be on display, including from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Central themes include the ecological use of natural resources, handicrafts and identity, the role of handicrafts in the process of decolonization and resilience,  circular economy, reuse and recycling of materials, the importance of working with hands, as well as biodiversity and fair trade.

In addition, ritual, spiritual and protective objects such as talismans and objects with a "soul" play an important role.

 

idea & curation: Luján Cambariere (Instagram & Website)
project management: Silvia Gaetti, Miriam Heckhoff and Sabine Epple (GRASSI Museum of Applied Arts)
graphic design: hey.brand & izoeasy, Leipzig
exhibition design: lfm2, Leipzig/Berlin
exhibition graphic: Anne Dietzsch

 

Participating artists and collectives

ARGENTINA


BOLIVIA


BRAZIL


CHILE 

COLOMBIA


ECUADOR


EL SALVADOR


GUATEMALA

MEXICO


PARAGUAY


PERU


URUGUAY


VENEZUELA

1. Heloisa Crocco and her Topomorphose project, in which she copies the rings of Amazonian trees to raise awareness of deforestation.
Olga Fish Folklore, jewellery, fashion and objects made by artisans of Ecuador.
Ani Alvarez Calderón & Beneai, clothing in collaboration with traditional Iskonawa and Kené artists from Perú.
Hechizoo, weaving atelier founded by the architect Jorge Lizarazo with master craftsmen from Colombia.
Artesol, iconic social organisation specialising in handicrafts and folk art from Brazil.
"Caralarga", a textile workshop from Queretano, México, inspired by nature’s raw materials transforming them into high quality artisanal pieces.
Simone Verdugo, horsehair jewellery from Chile.
"Insecta", the collection by Colombian product designer Alejandro Tapias, utilitarian objects with the help of master artisans.
Cynthya Villa Soto, Ekekas Collection, talisman figures from Bolivia.
Illaripuna, blankets embroidered in sheep and llama wool by craftswomen from Argentina.
"Orbita" by Colombian designer Ricardo Corredor of "Mongui Handmade"
Palafitas bench series by Brazilian designer Fernanda Paes de Barros
The Paraguayan indigenous Ache community, experts in pyrography wood.
Claudia Santanera, artist working on Caranday fiber sculptures with artisans from Copacabana, Argentina
a view of the exhibition, photo: Esther Hoyer
a view of the exhibition, photo: Esther Hoyer
a view of the exhibition, photo: Esther Hoyer