07.05.–27.09.2026 - Grassi Museum of Applied Arts

THE SOUL OF OBJECTS  

Applied Arts from Latin America 

 

Energy, numen, aura: objects have souls or what anthropologists call maná. An anonymous force that gives them life and makes them special. This energy – hidden strength, heath, power – lies in the air and comes down on people and things. Light and divine sparks that make them shine in a special way and stand out in our material universe, managing to create magic in everyday life.
 

The exhibition shows for the first time in German-speaking countries 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 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.
 

See the exhibition at Grassi Museum​