Feliciano Centurion (1962-1996) was born in the missionary territory of Paraguay, an area marked by Guarani-Jesuit past. The artist made works using mass produced objects commonly found in markets, onto which he painted, embroidered, wove and applied handmade textiles such as Ñanduti. This is a constant symbol of Paraguayan identity, which Centurion embeds in images of trees, flowers, alongside other techniques such as embroidery or crochet. The spirituality of his work is often palpable with images of crucifixes or references to catholic imagery. References to mythology also prosper, marking a path towards more pagan beliefs rooted in both Western and Guaranì culture. In fact, spirituality materialises in his depiction of animals. Such works find resonance in the oeuvre of indigenous artists such as Ogwa, for whom wildlife is sacred. While resisting forms of marginalization as a gay man suffering from AIDS, Centurion’s work builds bridges between binary ideas such as nature and culture, high and low art, the intimate and the collective.
Watch a documentary about the life and work of Feliciano Centurion here.
Feliciano Centurion (1962-1996) was born in the missionary territory of Paraguay, an area marked by Guarani-Jesuit past. The artist made works using mass produced objects commonly found in markets, onto which he painted, embroidered, wove and applied handmade textiles such as Ñanduti. This is a constant symbol of Paraguayan identity, which Centurion embeds in images of trees, flowers, alongside other techniques such as embroidery or crochet. The spirituality of his work is often palpable with images of crucifixes or references to catholic imagery. References to mythology also prosper, marking a path towards more pagan beliefs rooted in both Western and Guaranì culture. In fact, spirituality materialises in his depiction of animals. Such works find resonance in the oeuvre of indigenous artists such as Ogwa, for whom wildlife is sacred. While resisting forms of marginalization as a gay man suffering from AIDS, Centurion’s work builds bridges between binary ideas such as nature and culture, high and low art, the intimate and the collective.
Watch a documentary about the life and work of Feliciano Centurion here.