After exploring the famous cemetery, I ventured nearby and explored further the surrounding neighbourhood. Before leaving Recoleta, I visited the National Museum for Fine Arts. It is my habit to check out the local art whenever I am visiting a new place, and so I wanted to explore this place and see what Argentinian art is all about.
What I really liked about Argentinian museums is that they are typically free. This one is the same, and after doing a brief security check, I was let in, and explored the place.
I really liked the fact that the very first exhibit that greets visitors is about the pre-Colonial art found in the area. Of course, art as a concept exists, even without Western influence. And I got the impression that this is rather important for the museum, and therefore made it a point to be the first thing that visitors see when entering. Argentina (and the rest of southern South America) tend to have a muted indigenous presence, unlike the northern neighbours. So it is great that the fact that there is a native population with a thriving culture is not forgotten here.
The other rooms display various impressive pieces from different artists. Most of these artists I actually didn't know, as I am not really an art specialist, nor do I know Argentinian local history. In any case, it was interesting to see what styles flourished and note what people here perceive as having artistic value.
One exhibit I really liked was the temporary exhibit dedicated to the works of León Ferrari. Before entering the dedicated hall for it, there was a warning to visitors saying that the exhibit might be offensive to some people. That made me curious. I then learned that León Ferrari was very critical of the Catholic Church when it comes to his art, and it was definitely very visible in the artworks on display. I have to say, I actually liked it. I see why the religious people might find it offensive, but then again, it seems to be a pattern that religious people are very much offended for no reason beyond simple unfounded hallucinatory beliefs with no scientific nor rational backing. Overall, I found León Ferrari's artwork provocative, but nevertheless I believe he had a very important message to say.
I spent about an hour and a half here, and I definitely enjoyed my visit. If you're interested in Argentinian artwork, then this is a place to check out.
