Antonio Pichillá features at the new Elizabeth Xi Gallery
This January, London’s buzzing Exmouth Market welcomes an exciting addition to its cultural landscape: the new home of Elizabeth Xi Bauer. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition promises to offer a bold glimpse into its vision for contemporary art, and for Selvedge readers who happen to be in town, you are warmly invited to the private view on Tuesday, 16th January 2024.
The new Exmouth Market location marks an exciting expansion for Elizabeth Xi Bauer, complementing its original gallery in Deptford. Together, these two venues embody the gallery’s commitment to fostering global artistic dialogues and supporting both emerging and established artists across diverse disciplines. Through exhibitions and a thriving residency programme, Elizabeth Xi Bauer creates a dynamic platform for creative exchange and experimentation.
Among the impressive lineup of artists in this inaugural exhibition, the textural work of Antonio Pichillá Quiacaín stands out as a compelling voice. Hailing from San Pedro La Laguna, a picturesque town nestled by the shimmering Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, Pichillá’s work is a poetic dance between tradition and innovation. Deeply rooted in his Tz’utujil heritage, his practice transforms textiles (a craft traditionally associated with women in his community) into powerful statements of identity, resistance, and cultural pride.
The artist’s journey into weaving began with his mother, a master artisan, and evolved under the guidance of Roberto Cabrera, a mentor who encouraged him to embrace his ancestral knowledge. This influence has shaped Pichillá’s signature style: intricate works that blend traditional techniques with contemporary abstraction.
Take At’it’, for example, named after the Tz’utujil word for “grandmother.” Through braiding and threading techniques Pichillá evokes the warmth and wisdom of matriarchal figures, and through his use of materials such as maguey fibres, pays homage to the age-old weaving practices of his people. Equally evocative are his explorations of male identity, inspired by the traditional trousers of Tz’utujil men. Dyed in the sacred corn hues of red, black, yellow, and white, these garments are reimagined as flag-like sculptures that symbolise the enduring vibrancy of Mayan culture.
But Pichillá doesn’t stop at textiles. His work bridges nature and craft, combining threads with found materials like rocks and branches to create pieces that feel both timeless and deeply connected to the land. Whether weaving the stories of his ancestors or experimenting with modern forms, Pichillá’s art is an act of resilience and a celebration of identity in a world that often seeks to homogenise.
As anticipation builds for Pichillá’s second solo exhibition in 2025 and an upcoming publication chronicling his career, this inaugural show offers an unmissable opportunity to experience his work firsthand. For those eager to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Pichillá’s creations and the gallery’s dynamic vision, the private view is not to be missed.
If you are planning on attending the private view, or visiting the gallery at a later date to see the show, the details are as follows:
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For more information, please visit:
Image credits:
Elizabeth Xi Bauer
Antonio Pichillá Quiacaín