A special exhibition was held at El Cabildo Cultural Center in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay. The exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Guarania, a traditional Paraguayan music genre that embodies the country's identity. Titled ‘The Guarania’s Instrument: The Guitar,’ this exhibition is more than just a simple display of instruments. It creates a space where music, art, and the history of Paraguay come together, with guitars as canvases to which artists have added their creativity.
The project was led by Luz Borja, a young female luthier from Paraguay. Borja’s workshop (Escuela de Luthería Borja) has consistently participated in projects that honor Paraguay’s cultural heritage, having highlighted the master classical guitarist Agustín Barrios Mangoré in 2024 and celebrating the 100th anniversary of Guarania this year.
The six guitars featured in the exhibition are all unique and one-of-a-kind works. What's interesting is that the participating artists chose their favorite Guarania songs and expressed them on the guitars. Luz Borja explained, “No one gave them instructions, but the artists instinctively knew which song to choose,” adding, “This is proof that Guarania is alive and breathing within all of us.”
In particular, the artist Arius Romero chose 'India,' a representative Guarania song. Borja said that she used 40-year-old dried Palisander wood in the process of making the guitar. She described the wood as 'primitive and exotic,' emphasizing that just as Guarania contains Paraguay's indigenous identity, the guitars were also made with materials symbolizing the nature and history of Paraguay.
This project goes beyond the musical value of Guarania, extending its social and historical significance. The artist Brigitte Brusetti's work on the guitar was inspired by 'Mita’i,' a song depicting the reality of child labor, expressing the resilience of children who live steadfastly despite difficult circumstances. Furthermore, the artist Juan Valdez, inspired by 'Soy de la Chacarita,' a song about life in the Chacarita slum of Asunción, captured the faith of people who, though they lost their homes to floods, have not lost hope. The artist Diego González, on the theme of 'Mi patria soñada' (My Dreamed Homeland), drew the Pantheon, which symbolizes the history of Paraguay, expressing the desire for a free and sovereign nation.
Luz Borja described the exhibition as an example of "the strength of Paraguayan women," and revealed a sense of mission to pass on the nation's culture through music and art. She added that she hopes this exhibition will be a starting point for widely promoting Paraguay's cultural heritage and inspiring future generations.
The ‘The Guarania’s Instrument: The Guitar’ exhibition will run at El Cabildo until September 14, where visitors can enjoy the deep resonance of Guarania with their eyes, ears, and hearts.
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