Peru Brings Symbol of Prosperity to Bangkok with Torito de Pucará Exhibition Celebrating 60 Years of Diplomatic Ties
In a colorful tribute to six decades of diplomatic friendship between Peru and Thailand, the Torito de Pucará exhibition has debuted in Bangkok, blending artistic innovation with cultural symbolism. Organized by the Embassy of Peru in Thailand, the exhibition aims to bridge two vibrant cultures through the universal language of art, offering Thai audiences a unique glimpse into one of Peru’s most beloved folk traditions.
Celebrating 60 Years of Bilateral Friendship
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Peru and Thailand, a milestone recognized by both governments through various bilateral initiatives. One of the most visually impactful is the Torito de Pucará exhibition, which opened at ICONSIAM’s Thara Hall on July 12, 2025. The exhibition showcases six striking sculptures inspired by the traditional Torito de Pucará—a ceramic bull figure deeply rooted in the Andean heritage of southern Peru.
Originating in Pucará, a town in the Puno region of Peru, the torito symbolizes protection, prosperity, fertility, and spiritual strength. Traditionally placed on rooftops of homes in the Peruvian highlands, it has evolved into a national emblem and now serves as a powerful cultural ambassador in Southeast Asia.
Cross-Cultural Artistic Collaboration
The sculptures, each standing 1.5 meters tall, are the result of a collaborative effort between five Thai artists and one Peruvian artist. Each participant was invited to reinterpret the Torito de Pucará using their own artistic lens, resulting in a diverse yet cohesive celebration of heritage and identity.
While maintaining the core symbolism of the bull, the artists used mixed media, local materials, and contemporary styles to reflect the dynamic nature of cultural identity in a globalized world. The result is a powerful dialogue between tradition and modernity, South America and Southeast Asia, individual expression and collective heritage.
Bangkok-Wide Art Trail from July to November
Following its initial launch at ICONSIAM, the exhibition transforms into a public art trail across six major Bangkok locations from July 20 to November 5, 2025. The sculptures will be displayed at:
- Songwat
- Wat Pho
- MRT Phahon Yothin – Metro Art
- ICONSIAM
- Siam Discovery
- One Bangkok
This city-wide initiative encourages visitors to explore both Bangkok’s contemporary and historical spaces while engaging with Peruvian culture. It also aims to foster cross-cultural curiosity among Thais and tourists alike, transforming the Thai capital into a living canvas for international art.
Social Media Challenge with a Cultural Twist
To further encourage engagement, the Embassy of Peru in Thailand has launched a creative social media challenge. Visitors are invited to locate all six Torito sculptures, snap photos or videos at each site, and share them using the campaign’s designated hashtag and tagging guidelines.
Participants who complete the challenge will have a chance to win two round-trip tickets to Peru, giving Thai citizens a rare opportunity to explore the homeland of the Torito de Pucará firsthand. The contest not only incentivizes exploration and cultural learning but also boosts visibility for Peru as a travel destination rich in history and art.
The Role of Cultural Diplomacy
This exhibition is also a significant exercise in cultural diplomacy. Ambassador Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán of Peru has played a central role in the exhibition’s curation, alongside Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Their cooperation highlights the vital role of cultural initiatives in strengthening diplomatic ties beyond politics and trade.
According to Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cultural events like this deepen mutual understanding between nations, build people-to-people connections, and pave the way for collaborative future projects in tourism, education, and the arts.
Reinterpreting Tradition for the Global Stage
Traditionally, the Torito de Pucará was crafted by Andean artisans as an offering to ensure agricultural fertility and household protection. Today, its meaning has expanded to encompass national pride and cultural continuity.
This exhibition reinterprets the figure through the lens of global art trends, inviting viewers to think about how symbols of the past continue to shape identity in the present. The event not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also elevates it into the realm of contemporary international art.
Conclusion: Art as a Bridge Between Nations
The Torito de Pucará exhibition in Bangkok is a celebration of friendship, creativity, and cultural resilience. More than just a showcase of ceramic bulls, it is a reminder of how art can transcend borders and foster dialogue between distant societies.
As visitors travel across Bangkok to view each sculpture, they are also journeying through 60 years of diplomatic partnership between Peru and Thailand. By participating in this unique cultural experience, the public helps write a new chapter in the ongoing story of international friendship—one where art, heritage, and curiosity come together to inspire the world.
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