The living legacy of an ancestral craft
The art of gold embroidery, a craft that has endured for centuries, continues to be relevant today. Francisco Carrera Iglesias, known as Paquili, is an embroidery artisan who has known how to merge tradition with the avant-garde to achieve excellence in his creations. From his workshop in the heart of Seville, this master of embroidery has managed to dress virgins and conquer the world of haute couture.
A job that transcends borders
Paquili highlights that it is possible to make a living from sacred art, even by attending to secular commissions. In Seville, around 300 families are directly dedicated to various aspects of the guild, from sculptors to carpenters and image makers. However, he warns about the need to balance the growth of Holy Week and the tourism boom with the preservation of traditional commerce and local identity, avoiding the decharacterization of the city.
Sacred art and modernity
The embroiderer emphasizes the modernity of Holy Week, highlighting the avant-garde inherent in the creation of pieces using centuries-old techniques. Likewise, he defends the artistic freedom and universality of Holy Week as Seville’s heritage, underlining the importance of studying it in economic and tourist terms.
Excellence as the key to success
Paquili insists that excellence is essential to maintain a solid and long-lasting clientele. He highlights that, despite the evolution of sacred art, in his workshop everything is done manually, preserving the essence of a craft that has transcended borders. His collaboration with renowned fashion brands and his participation in international projects demonstrate the versatility and contemporary appeal of sacred art.
The future of sacred art
Gold embroidery, with its captivating magic, is projected as a living and constantly expanding art. Paquili claims its relevance in the artistic field and demands its recognition in the History of Art. From his humble beginnings on Cerro del Águila, this master of embroidery has demonstrated that sacred art not only endures, but also renews and transcends, attracting the attention of fashion designers and art lovers around the world.
