Will Buenos Aires' Art Scene Weather the Economic Storm?

Art Business News, June, 2001 by Vanessa Silberman

Known for its tango, gauchos and arguably the best steak in the world, Argentina is also famous for its gem of a capital: Buenos Aires. Often called the Paris of South America, the sprawling and seductive BA holds affinities with the French wonder in more ways than one. Not only does it boast open air cafes, magnificent plazas and stunning architecture, the city is also home to a plethora of art galleries, museums and one of the largest art shows in the world: Arte BA.

Whether a seasoned art collector or an art-loving tourist, BA is home to a plenitude of places to experience art. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes houses works by famous Argentine artists, such as Antonio Segui, Antonio Berni and Xul Solar, in addition to the European masters. The recently reopened Museo de Quienquela Martin in the rainbow-colored neighborhood of La Boca gives viewers a chance to see the expressive marine paintings by the revered artist of the same name. It also features a rooftop sculpture garden, ideal for panoramic views of the city once home to the famous Evita Peron.

In addition, the Museum of Latin American Art is set to open in July and will house South America's largest collection of modem paintings. "The gallery will be an urban landmark and will put the city of Buenos Aires on the international circuit of museums," said Argentine businessman Eduardo Costantini, who financed the project and owns a substantial part of the collection that forms the museum's core.

Many art galleries, such as Galeria Diana Lowenstein, Adriana Indik and Galeria Rubbers, are found in Buenos Aires' chicest neighborhood, the Barrio Recoleta. Others, such as Ruth Benzacar Galeria de Arte and the Fundacion Federico Jorge Klemm, are found in the commercial district sur rounding Plaza San Martin and showcase Argentina's hottest contemporary artists, such as Graciela Sacco and Leandro Erlich. The Fundacion Federico Jorge Klemm sponsors an annual prize for painting or photography, and it also organizes conferences and openings every month.

A great number of artists work and live in the historic San Telmo district, whose narrow cobblestone streets provided the stomping ground for the birthplace of tango. Today, tango dancers entertain strollers while a collection of galleries, antique shops and cafes surround the plaza. A mixture of architectural styles can also be seen--owing to Buenos Aires' multinational heritage--such as Spanish Colonial houses and French Classic buildings.

A Bearish Economy

With the myriad of art choices BA has to offer, it is disheartening to learn how the current economic downturn has affected the city's art scene--which in some ways has been shaken to its very core. Once a city with a strong middle class, today those numbers are dwindling. Both artists and galleries find themselves struggling as collectors tighten their purses. "The sale of work has been affected greatly by the economic crisis ... Galleries organize exhibits with much assistance from the public and very little sales," said artist Aha Lia Werthein Rousseaux.

Adriana Indik, owner of the Adriana Indik Gallery agreed. "There are many, many artists, but there isn't a market ... The country has literally stopped."

Still, recent activity suggests that the art scene in Buenos Aires will weather this storm--although it might take longer than in years past. According to Loreto Arenas of Diana Lowenstein Gallery, there are many opportunities for artists in the city. Werthein Rousseaux agreed. "The art scene is very intense. There is much production and of a very good level," she said.

And Arenas believes the future of art in Buenos Aires remains bright despite economic troubles.

As if to prove her point, this year's installment of Arte BA, held in May at La Rural, was a resounding success. According to Indik, Arte BA is very important because it presents a wonderful opportunity for collectors, art critics, businesses, the international press and lovers of culture to gather in one setting. "It isn't only to maintain contemporary culture but to foment the development of it," she said.

This year, Arte BA attracted more than 100,000 buyers and visitors who were exposed to thousands of works, paintings, photographs and sculptures created by about 500 national and foreign artists. The 10th edition of the fair attracted 86 galleries and exhibitors from the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Germany, Spain and Bolivia.

If the show's results are an indication of what's to come, the art world in Buenos Aires shouldn't pack its bags just yet. An energized city government also promises to pull BA out of its deep recession, which is exactly what galleries and artists, let alone the general public, need.