A Tour of the New Script of Argentine Art from the Amalita Collection
After seven years, the Amalita Collection showcased a refreshed curatorial script, expanding its permanent exhibition with a striking presentation of 160 artworks—40 more than in its previous iteration. This new display avoids a strict chronological approach, focusing instead on thematic nuclei enhanced by subtle humor.
A New Vision for Argentine Art
The exhibition aims to recover a federal and pluralistic perspective, integrating historical and contemporary pieces that rarely see the light, ultimately generating a dialogue between tradition, modernity, and native cultures within the national artistic landscape. This revamped script, crafted by Roberto Amigo and Leandro Martínez Depietri, shifts away from the chronological ordering used in 2018 by Marcelo Pacheco.
The result is a more relaxed and playful viewing experience, distancing itself from historicist concepts that often constrain museums into rigid formats.
Thematic Nuclei and Curatorial Strategy
The exhibition begins with a curated selection of new works on loan, including pieces from the private collections of Bárbara Bengolea, Amalia Amoedo, and the children of Alejandro Bengolea. As a tribute, the first piece visitors encounter is the renowned portrait by Warhol requested by Amalia Lacroze from Fortabat.
The exhibition unfolds in the first and second basements, featuring 11 conceptual nuclei, including Art Action, American Fabrics, Specter and Storm, Pampa Gringa, Town and Nostalgia, Visions, Myths, Harlequin – The Island, Miracle, Invasions, and About Enjoyment.
These thematic nuclei invite visitors to engage with layers of meaning, bridging past and present in a manner that highlights enduring social and political issues, echoing through various artistic interpretations.
Highlighting Artistic Diversity
The selection of less frequently exhibited works and the integration of thematic nuclei serve to recover the collection’s federal essence. An example includes the Art Action piece by Ramón Gómez Cornet, which faced rejection upon its initial display in 1921, showcasing the fusion of European and American artistic traditions.
Furthermore, the “American Fabrics” nucleus emphasizes the resilience of indigenous cultures against colonization, examining textiles as both representation and material culture. This thematic exploration facilitates discussions on the historical tension between fine arts and applied arts.
Visiting the Amalita Collection
The new curatorial script of the Amalita Collection revitalizes the exploration of Argentine art through an engaging and refreshing lens. Visitors engage with a multifaceted legacy that spans historical and contemporary contexts, addressing critical social themes.
Ultimately, the exhibition invites a personal journey of discovery, allowing each viewer to interpret the connections and narratives imbued in these artistic expressions.
The exhibition can be visited from Thursday to Sunday, between 12:00 and 20:00, at the Amalita Collection, Olga Cossettini 141, CABA. The entrance fee is $6000, reduced to $3000 for children under 12, retirees, students, and teachers with accreditation.
Photos: Courtesy of the Amalita de Fortabat Foundation / Pablo Jantus