Art Meets Heart: “In the Plexus, the Root” Exhibition at Biga Gallery
Ah, the art world! Where the abstract becomes a canvas, and emotions are splattered with a brush or woven into fabric, you know—just like my last attempt at redecorating my living room. Have a gander at the latest exhibition titled “In the Plexus, the Root” at Biga Gallery, where, evidently, all that glitters is not gold, but art! Set in the swirling heart of Tucumán, this exhibition is the lifeblood of a larger project called Eccentric, aiming to showcase talent beyond the Buenos Aires bubble. Because honestly, sometimes it’s good to step outside that cosmopolitan comfort zone—or is it just a sign of madness?
The director of Biga Gallery, Gabriela Campos, sheds light on this initiative, explaining that they wish to highlight artists stuck in the shadows of Argentina’s artistic scene. And let’s face it; it’s about time someone turned the spotlight away from Buenos Aires — it’s starting to feel a bit like that overhyped city has the artistic monopoly. It’s like asking you to eat at the same restaurant every night—eventually, you just want to pull your hair out and pivot to something more… exotic.
Art and Identity: Slap, Dash, and Dash!
This exhibit looks at identity, culture, and the universal experience of existing—like the way I exist in a pizza shop every Friday night. It’s about embracing the absolutely bonkers and beautiful aspects of Tucumán through various mediums like paintings, textiles, and installations.
Artists like Cecilia Quinteros Macció are leading this charge, aiming to break away from stereotypical representations and get to the emotional core of identity. She describes the exhibition as a conception of selfhood—a bit like taking a slightly awkward selfie and realizing, “Hey, that’s actually me!”
Spotlighting artists from the province, this first exhibition includes Eugenia Correa, Emiliano D’Amato Mateo, Florence Vivas, and Jessica Morillo. Each one brings their own flavor to the table—like an art buffet where no one can agree on what should be served, but somehow it all makes sense in the craziness that is life.
Portraits of Mandates: A Family Affair
Take Correa’s series titled “The Mandate,” for instance. She boldly treads into the murky waters of family dynamics, unearthing the awkwardness of unspoken relationships and inherited quirks. I mean, who among us hasn’t had that “favourite child” conversation lurking in the background? It’s like that family heirloom no one really wants but feels obligated to keep. Her work dives into this murky realm—think of it as diving into the family pool but hitting your head on the shallow end.
Correa’s mastery of juxtaposing old photographs and contemporary interpretations makes her pieces resonate like a pop song that you can’t get out of your head (much to your distress). The portraits reveal layers of relationships, sparking curiosity about what’s hidden beneath the surface — much like a reality TV show, without the glamorous drama and with a lot more paint and emotional truths.
Textiles and Tensions: Weaving Stories
Switch gears, and we find Jessica Morillo making waves in the textile department. Not to be outdone, she crafts autobiographical works reflecting the dynamics between women through the generations. I reckon it’s a bit like carrying your mother’s baggage while trying to avoid tripping over your grandmother’s… well, baggage. But really, who hasn’t been there?
Next, Florence Vivas engages the senses with a blend of industrial materials and femininity. Picture sheet metal contemplating grandma’s tales—now that’s a mix that could raise a few eyebrows! Vivas creates a dramatic suspension between the cultural and the natural, proving that art isn’t just about what you see; it’s about what you feel, and good grief, it can be a rollercoaster.
Nature Meets Culture: A Flowering Identity
Finally, we have Emiliano D’Amato Mateo bringing a delightful touch of the natural world, combining lapacho flowers with anthropomorphic forms. Is it a flower? Is it an anteater? Who knows! But it challenges our perceptions—who among us hasn’t glanced at a wilted plant and thought it might be hiding a hidden identity? Just me? Alright then!
In the end, the exhibition “In the Plexus, the Root” invites us to embrace our inner complexities and explore the roots of identity through artistic expression. It’s an exhilarating invitation to step outside the crowded Buenos Aires art scene and into the rich, fertile soils of Tucumán. And let’s face it, when was the last time you found a gallery with free admission that didn’t come with a side of avocado toast?
*“From the Plexus to the Root,” at Biga Gallery, Arenales 1181, CABA. Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until December 6. Free admission.*
Through a captivating array of paintings, textiles, and immersive installations, the exhibition “In the plexus, the root” at the Biga gallery delves into the distinctive essence of Tucumán, interweaving elements from both the natural world and cultural narratives that define the region.
Launching the innovative project Eccentric, this exhibition is aimed at shedding light on artists beyond the capital, Buenos Aires. “We plan to host two exhibitions each year,” explains Gabriela Campos, the gallery’s director, eager to expand the visibility of talent rooted in diverse geographical locales.
According to Quinteros Macció, this initiative is about crafting a more inclusive narrative. “By collaborating with Cecilia Quinteros Macció, we are striving to transcend the traditional boundaries that define art in Buenos Aires, focusing initially on local artists from Tucumán. This choice resonates with my personal history and our successful collaborative experience at the Salta Fair,” she elaborates.
Quinteros Macció emphasizes that the exhibition seeks to illuminate the artistic expressions within the complex web of regional identity, societal dynamics, and collective heritage. “It’s about capturing the creative pulse of the people’s experiences artistically,” she states.
In its inaugural installment, the Retiro gallery showcases works by Eugenia Correa, Emiliano D’Amato Mateo, Florence Vivas, and Jessica Morillo. These artists, through various mediums, present a profound exploration of personal experiences and the deep connections to their land, inviting viewers to embark on an internal shift of perception.
The curator highlights that “In the plexus, the root” resonates with themes of emotional ancestry, reflecting on how individual roots shape human identity while simultaneously serving as a depiction of collective narratives. “This artistic endeavor touches upon the foundations of who we are as individuals within a larger societal context,” she elucidates.
Eugenia Correa, a distinguished painter renowned for her innovative technique, crafts pieces that draw from the rich legacy of art history, spanning from the Renaissance to Rococo. By infusing contemporary interpretations, she creates disturbingly beautiful works that provoke thought and introspection.
In her series titled The mandate, Correa confronts the often-unspoken dynamics of family relationships through evocative portraits, uncovering the inheritances — both visible and hidden — that shape individual identities. “Through her research, she intertwines historical context with her own familial legacy, highlighting the expectations cast upon individuals,” Quinteros Macció notes.
Correa’s art makes poignant connections, blurring the lines between generations, as depicted in images where mothers and daughters share not only lineage but an ambiguous emotional burden, characterized by weary expressions and traditional attire. Her work challenges viewers to reflect on the cyclic nature of familial expectations and identities.
Amidst the evocative backdrops of her artwork, shimmering constellations emerge, symbolizing the intricate ties between personal destinies and broader societal narratives. This celestial imagery suggests that familial mandates extend beyond intimate circles, permeating various facets of life, often cloaked in the guise of innocence.
Textile artist Jessica Morillo, celebrated for her contributions across Latin America, showcases a compelling series that marks her first significant autobiographical collection. “Her works explore the lineage of women in her family, examining relationships that span generations and framing them within the broader context of feminine identity,” Quinteros Macció explains.
Florence Vivas steps into the realm of industrial materials, intertwining sheet metal with depictions of femininity, creating a striking commentary on cultural constructs surrounding female identity. “Her pieces embody a blend of recognizable feminine gestures while exploring nature’s role in shaping these identities,” the curator elaborates.
Campos underscores the dramatic interplay of elements in Vivas’s work, which connects personal family artifacts with the broader challenges faced by women in their lives, revealing an undercurrent of difficult realities that often reside beneath a façade of innocence.
In contrast, Emiliano D’Amato merges nature with culture, as seen in his recreated lapacho flowers that serve as symbolic representations, touching on themes of ecological awareness and cultural identity. “This blending underscores the tension and richness inherent in various aspects of Tucumán’s identity,” Quinteros Macció observes.
All these artists collectively evoke a sense of place, presenting a tapestry of personal and collective identities that define Tucumán’s essence. “In Tucumán, August brings an explosion of color when the lapacho flowers bloom amidst the drought, a time that poetically bridges nature’s cycles with the cultural traditions that endure,” Campos adds.
*”From the plexus, to the root”, in Biga gallery, Arenales 1181, CABA. Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Until December 6. Free admission.
How does Florence Vivas challenge traditional notions of femininity through her use of industrial materials in her art?
Omen and the stories woven into the fabric of their lives,” reveals Quinteros Macció.
Morillo’s textiles are more than mere threads; they serve as narratives, encapsulating the shared female experience through generations. Each piece acts as a tapestry of memory, reflecting the struggles and triumphs passed down from mother to daughter, often laden with cultural significance. Morillo intricately braids together her personal history with broader socio-cultural themes, shedding light on the dynamic relationships among women within her lineage.
Then there’s Florence Vivas, whose fusion of industrial materials with soft, feminine elements creates an elaborate dialogue between the raw and the delicate. “Her work defies conventional expectations, posing questions about femininity and the roles we inhabit,” comments Quinteros Macció. Vivas’s installations evoke a sense of tension, challenging the viewer to reconcile the juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability—much like navigating life itself.
Lastly, Emiliano D’Amato Mateo contributes a whimsical touch with his nature-inspired works. His creations blend organic forms with anthropomorphic qualities, prompting the audience to ponder themes of identity and transformation. “By representing flora in unexpected forms, Mateo encourages us to see nature in a new light,” reflects the curator. His art invites commentary on the fluidity of identity and the interplay between humanity and the natural world, making it a profound exploration of existence.
Ultimately, “In the Plexus, the Root” at Biga Gallery transcends the confines of typical exhibition presentations. It challenges the notion of artistic visibility, urging us to step beyond metropolitan boundaries and appreciate the rich fabric of cultural narratives woven throughout Argentina. As the exhibition unfolds until December 6, it serves as a resonant call to acknowledge the diverse artistic expressions that emerge from places like Tucumán—pushing the boundaries of our understanding of art, identity, and community.
*Visit “In the Plexus, the Root” at Biga Gallery, 1181 Arenales, CABA, open from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free.*