Antonio Paucar, an artist and beekeeper from the Andes, was awarded the Artes Mundi prize in Wales, a biennial recognition of contemporary art. Paucar plans to use the £40,000 prize to establish a cultural center in his native Peru.

Paucar's winning presentation included "La Energía Espiral del Ayni," a large-scale sculpture hand-woven from alpaca wool, representing the interconnectedness of all things, according to the artist. The exhibition also featured a video of Paucar writing a poem in his own blood about the environmental crisis affecting his region. The video was filmed high in the mountains.

The Artes Mundi prize aims to showcase the work of talented artists who are often overlooked. Based in Wales, the organization selects artists whose work engages with social realities and explores themes of identity, social justice, and environmental concerns. Paucar's work directly addresses the environmental challenges facing his community in the Andes.

The selection process for Artes Mundi involves a panel of international jurors who assess the artistic merit and social relevance of the nominated artists' work. The prize is awarded to an artist who demonstrates exceptional talent and a commitment to using their art to address pressing social issues.

Paucar's win highlights the growing recognition of Indigenous perspectives in contemporary art. His focus on environmental issues and cultural preservation resonates with global audiences increasingly concerned about climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The cultural center he plans to build will serve as a space for artistic creation, cultural exchange, and community engagement in the Peruvian mountains.