From traditional to contemporary

(Caracas, July 26, 2011) .- CAF - Latin American development bank, in partnership with the Peruvian Embassy in Venezuela and Patronato Plata del Peru, is exhibiting in its cultural space a collection which reflects from the traditional to the contemporary in the art of silverwork from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.

The exhibition highlights the link between craftsmanship and artistic creation in silverwork and extols the skills of artists and craftsmen from the five countries of the region, characterized by the common root of their histories.

The exhibition was opened by the executive vice president of the financial institution, Luis Enrique Berrizbeitia; Eric Anderson Machado, Peruvian ambassador in Venezuela; José Torres Della Pina, director of the Patronato de Plata del Peru; and Juan Assereto Duharte, director treasurer, together with some of the artists.

"In its integrationist role – Berrizbeitia said – CAF is promoting this exhibition with the expectation that it will generate new exchanges of techniques, concepts and initiatives among Latin American artists. The exhibition is part of the activities which CAF sponsors to promote the cultural and artistic diversity of our continent."

The CAF vice president said Peru was a founding member and a major shareholder of the institution. "This exhibition, which we present as part of the activities marking Peruvian National Day, is another example of the close collaboration that has always existed between this country and CAF, and our institution’s strong commitment to the processes of regional integration."

Ambassador Eric Anderson Machado said "it is an honor to be present at this exhibition, whose characteristics demonstrate the artistic quality of the silverwork of Peru and the other Bolivarian countries. The art of silverwork is a reflection of our history and has always been admired by the world. I hope this first show of silverwork in the CAF headquarters encourages a reflection on the importance of cultural integration between our countries."

Finally Juan Assereto, director of the Patronato Plata del Peru, said he was "very pleased to come to the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, bringing pieces from the contemporary cultural heritage of Peruvian and Bolivarian silverwork which, as is well known, is rooted in a metallurgical tradition which dates back to pre-Columbian times."