Panama (Republic of)

The Panama Pavilion delves into the enduring impact of migration on individuals and their surroundings through works by four artists. A transcontinental bridge, Panama has been a hub of transit, trade, and cultural exchange from prehistory to the present. Recently, it has gained attention due to the perilous journey through the “Darien Gap”, a 26,000km2 jungle connecting Colombia and Panama – crossed by over 500,000 migrants and asylum seekers in 2023 alone – a harrowing journey without infrastructure or services, and without security against abuse, danger or violence. The artists reveal overlooked realities (often all but rendered invisible), from Giana De Dier’s exploration of Afro-Antillean migration in the early 20th century, to Brooke Alfaro’s depictions of human beings on hostile journeys. Isabel De Obaldía immerses viewers in an installation of drawings and glass sculptures, while Cisco Merel reflects on the elusive promise of a better future through mud and steel. The artworks serve as powerful testimonies of the hardships endured in pursuit of a better life. This pavilion connects art and the current migration crisis, urging empathy for those who are forced to carve out their own arduous journeys—the kind that leave indelible traces on the land and on the body.