As Paraguay celebrates its return to the FIFA World Cup, a new exhibition in Asunción is exploring the country’s deep connection with football through art. Cross, Header, Goal: Paraguay’s Football Celebration brings together works by Paraguayan artists and artisans, offering visitors a cultural perspective on the sport that has shaped communities across the country.
Hosted at CAF’s House of Integration, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, the exhibition is available on Avenida Mariscal López and República Dominicana. Curated by Damián Cabrera, the project examines football not only as a sport but also as a cultural, social, and artistic phenomenon.
Exploring football beyond the pitch
According to the exhibition’s curatorial text, the title refers to one of the most recognisable attacking plays associated with Paraguayan football: a cross into the box followed by a header and a goal. While sometimes criticised as a simple tactic, the play is often celebrated when successful for its effectiveness and opportunism. In comments shared with another media, curator Damián Cabrera explains that the exhibition seeks to highlight how football has become deeply embedded in everyday life throughout Paraguay. The project explores traditions that extend far beyond professional competitions.
A celebration of Paraguayan football culture
The exhibition highlights the many cultural expressions that have emerged around football. These include neighbourhood pitches, local tournaments, club colours and symbols, team mascots, chants, and even the craftsmanship involved in producing footballs. The curatorial text notes that football has inspired artists for generations. Historic photographs of clubs sit alongside contemporary artistic interpretations of the sport and its surroundings. Visitors can also discover works that reflect both the festive atmosphere of football and the social realities connected to it.
The exhibition features paintings, installations, photography, audiovisual works, and literary pieces. Participating artists include Jorge Sáenz, Bettina Brizuela, Mónica Matiauda, Benjazmín Ocampos, and José María Blanch. The exhibition also includes contributions from artisans from Areguá and the renowned Medina football makers. Admission is free of charge. Visitors can attend throughout the exhibition period at CAF’s House of Integration in Asunción and learn more through the venue’s official social media channels.
