Andean Artist Antonio Paucar Wins Prestigious Artes Mundi Prize

Andean artist and beekeeper Antonio Paucar has been declared the winner of the biennial Artes Mundi prize, one of the United Kingdom's most prestigious contemporary arts awards. The announcement was made in Wales, recognizing his powerful work that highlights the environmental crisis facing his native region.

Paucar, who hails from a remote corner of the Andes, plans to use the £40,000 prize to build a cultural center in the Peruvian mountains. His winning presentation featured a range of works, including a spiral made of alpaca wool and a video of him writing a poem in his own blood about the ecological challenges facing his homeland.

The Artes Mundi prize is a major international contemporary arts award that recognizes artists whose work addresses the human condition. Antonio Paucar's selection as the winner places a spotlight on the vital perspectives of Andean communities and their relationship with the natural world. His art serves as a bridge between traditional indigenous practices and contemporary artistic expression.

As an artist and beekeeper, Paucar's work is deeply rooted in his environment. He uses materials and themes drawn directly from the Andes, creating pieces that are both visually striking and conceptually profound. His victory is a significant moment for artists from indigenous backgrounds, demonstrating the global relevance of their stories and artistic visions.

• Recognizes contemporary art addressing the human condition
• Highlights indigenous Andean perspectives
• Bridges traditional practices with modern art
• Validates the global relevance of local stories

Central to Paucar's artistic practice is a profound concern for the environmental crisis affecting his region. His work does not merely depict nature; it actively engages with the urgent threats facing the Andean ecosystem. Through his art, he transforms personal and communal anxiety into powerful, tangible statements.

One of the most arresting pieces from his winning presentation was a video installation. In it, Paucar is seen sitting at a table high in the mountains, writing a poem about the environmental crisis using his own blood. This visceral act underscores the deep, personal connection he feels to the land and the severity of the threats it faces. Another key work was a spiral crafted from alpaca wool, a material deeply significant in Andean culture and economy, representing both tradition and the delicate, interconnected nature of the ecosystem.

A video of him writing a poem – in his own blood – about the environmental crisis facing his region.

Winning the Artes Mundi prize comes with a significant financial reward of £40,000. For Antonio Paucar, this is not a personal windfall but a seed fund for a much larger vision. He has announced his intention to invest the entire prize into building a cultural center in the Peruvian mountains.

This planned center aims to serve as a vital hub for the local community. It will provide a space for artistic creation, cultural preservation, and education, ensuring that the traditions and knowledge of the Andean people are sustained for future generations. By using his award to build this institution, Paucar demonstrates a commitment to empowering his community from within, creating a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the gallery walls.

• Full £40,000 prize allocated for construction
• Center to be located in the Peruvian Andes
• Will serve as a hub for art and culture
• Focuses on preserving indigenous traditions

Paucar's art is inextricably linked to the landscape of the Andes. The high-altitude environment is not just a backdrop but an active participant in his work. The stark beauty and fragility of the mountains inform his choice of materials and the themes he explores, creating a unique artistic language that is both local and universal.

His use of materials like alpaca wool is particularly significant. This fiber is a cornerstone of Andean life, woven into the cultural, economic, and spiritual fabric of the region. By incorporating it into his contemporary installations, Paucar honors ancestral knowledge while recontextualizing it to speak to modern issues. This approach allows him to communicate complex ideas about ecology, identity, and resilience in a way that is immediately accessible and deeply moving.

The recognition of Antonio Paucar by the Artes Mundi jury marks a pivotal moment for the visibility of Andean art on the global stage. His success underscores the growing importance of art that is not only aesthetically compelling but also socially and environmentally engaged. The international art community is increasingly looking to voices from the Global South to provide insight into the most pressing issues of our time.

As Paucar moves forward with his plans for the cultural center in Peru, his story serves as an inspiring model of how artistic success can be leveraged for community development and cultural preservation. His work reminds us that art can be a powerful catalyst for change, fostering dialogue and inspiring action to protect both our cultural heritage and our planet.