The gallery owner, march, and cultural manager Daniel Maman was declared an Outstanding Personality of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires in the field of culture at a ceremony held on Monday afternoon in the Golden Hall Hipólito Yrigoyen of the Legislature of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires . The honoree attended with his inseparable companion and wife Patricia Pacino , her grandchildren, her daughter, the artist Lucia Maman , and lifelong friends, reflecting the support and love surrounding this deserved recognition, which was promoted by the deputy Patricia Glize .
With a career spanning over forty-five years in the art world, Daniel Maman entered the chamber to cheers and applause that resonated throughout the venue. The event’s speakers included Deputy Patricia Glize ; the Minister of Culture of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Gabriela Ricardes ; the Minister of Economic Development for the city, Hernán Lombardi ; businessman and lawyer Claudio Stamato ; the Director of Institutional Relations of Diario *The Nation*, Norberto Frigerio ; and Inés Etchebarne , the Communication Manager and Institutional Relations of the National Fund of Arts. Additionally, a video message was sent by the former United States ambassador Mark Stanley and his wife.
This appointment was in honor of Maman’s significant contributions to promoting modern and contemporary artists both nationally and internationally. He has established himself as a reference point in the global art market. The word that resonated most during the ceremony was ‘generosity’ — not just in an economic sense, but also in a symbolic one, as it embodies Maman’s dedication to making art accessible to everyone.
Patricia Glize , the deputy who spearheaded the recognition, articulated, “Daniel Maman encompasses culture, art, and projects—he fuels the dreams of numerous painters, enabling them to launch their careers.” She emphasized Maman’s social commitment, noting how he has opened the doors of his gallery to schools and social organizations, allowing countless children to experience art for the first time. For many, this experience served as “a window to new opportunities.” Glize depicted Maman’s career as a blend of vision , sensitivity , and generosity .
During her speech, Minister Gabriela Ricardes reiterated the theme of generosity, adding that Maman’s work is fueled by passion . “His role as a gallery owner extended far beyond mere bricks and mortar. He built bridges connecting artists, collectors, institutions, and the public, thus paving pathways for our creators’ works to gain recognition both domestically and abroad.” She emphasized that his galleries served as meeting spaces for dialogue and discovery, highlighting the unique synergy he fosters between professional vision and artistic sensitivity.
Hernán Lombardi commended Maman’s initiative to bring sculptures to public spaces, noting that it was not just a concept but an entire project that he passionately executed. “Daniel generously put these sculptures at the city’s service,” he remarked. Lombardi also commended Maman for promoting Argentine artists, particularly in Miami. “Whether big or small, Daniel transforms everything through his passion ,” he articulated.
Claudio Stamato added insights regarding Maman’s audacity and commitment, stating, “Your life has been a tireless effort to ensure that Argentine art is valued and recognized worldwide.” He noted Maman’s dedication, understanding art as a profoundly human act . Similarly, Norberto Frigerio acknowledged Maman’s boldness, especially when he inaugurated his gallery Maman Fine Art on Libertador Avenue, where he displayed remarkable genuineness in his passion for art.
Inés Etchebarne chose to highlight the more personal aspects of Maman’s character and their friendship. With emotional anecdotes, she expressed gratitude for their friendship shared with him and his family, emphasizing his knack for elevating life’s experiences and standing by friends during life’s ups and downs, noting that Maman embodies an adventurous spirit that is willing to take risks for what he believes in.
At the conclusion of the event, a video message was presented featuring greetings from notable figures such as Jacobo Fiterman , founder of Art Ba , alongside contributions from Amalia Amodeo , Aldo Sessa , Florencia Braga Menéndez , and Teresa Anchorena , who recently passed away but whose acknowledgment was met with heartfelt respect and emotion.
In an engaging closure atop the Gold Hall , an informal living-room setting emerged among Deputy Patricia Glize , Hernán Lombardi , and Maman himself, who humorously took to the floor. Sharing anecdotes, he recalled his friendship with Fernando Botero , made possible through Teresa Anchorena . “I was one of twelve individuals, while Fernando was alive, who managed his work globally,” he noted.
Maman articulated the necessity for collaboration among gallery owners, artists, and collectors, culminating in receiving the diploma recognizing him as an Outstanding Personality from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires in the Field of Culture , eliciting a standing ovation.
[Fotos: Jaime Olivos]