Vision of art
1. Choose a work that represents you, describe it in relation to its format and materiality, its relation with time and space, its style and theme; detail its production process.
I choose “Barbie Surf City”. I went to a Mattel Toy Store and bought a Barbie doll. Afterwards, I painted a portrait of her, without any irony or sarcasm. I made five portraits, and I choose Surf City.
2. In general terms, how would you suggest to approach your work?
My work is easy to understand. I try to be straightforward and clear. I also try to make beautiful works of art. The only thing I suggest (which is valid for every other artist) is not to rush, but instead to take the time to contemplate and experience pleasure or dissatisfaction (or maybe none of both).
3. In reference to your work and your position in the national and international art fields, what tradition do you recognize yourself in? Who are your contemporary referents? What artists of previous generations are of interest to you?
I am basically a commissioned painter. About an 80% of what I do is on demand. My specialties are murals and trompe l’oeil. I also paint pictures, canvases, sceneries, ceilings, children’s bedrooms, etc. For 15 years I worked with Xil Buffone, with whom I painted 2 churches and numerous other things in Argentina and overseas.
As an influence, I’ll mention Augusto Ferrari, Leon Ferrari´s father, a muralist. I like a lot to see Diego Perrota’s murals on the streets. I love graffiti, and good collective murals, such as the one in the corner of Belgrano and Paseo Colón, or the one in Independencia and Paseo Colon, in Buenos Aires.
I like those artists I can’t forget and that I love to find: Xul Solar, Cándido Lopez, De la Vega, Le Parc, Jorge Macci, Giotto.
4. Choose works or exhibitions from the last ten or fifteen years which in your opinion were very significant and explain why
León Ferrari at Recoleta: using the same elements that many other artists use, he creates an effective, straightforward message.
Pablo Suárez’s “The Excluded” (at Malba), hanging outside a train door.
I recall Aurelio García´s exhibition at Fernández Blanco museum.
Benito Laren, because he makes me happy.
5. What tendencies or groupings from common elements do you see in argentine art of the last ten or fifteen years?
I would like to take this opportunity to discuss a related subject. I think that contemporary art is sometimes very much like “The Emperor New Clothes”, the children’s tale. The arts of the XXth and XXIst centuries are –first of all– advertising, and then cinema and television. They influence the world; they make a real impact; they have the power to change things. They have a goal and a result. What I can’t see clearly is their influence and relevance in contemporary art.
