Artsy

Yesterday I had the chance to go to the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires. At one and the same time it was fascinating and a little disappointing and hopeful. The museum consists of 3 floors but very limited display space. The downstairs had a display of contemporary vases. The upper floor was closed for renovation. The middle floor contained the works of interest. All the artwork is 20th century; therefore, "modern." There was no map or guide, no tour, no cassette tape tour, and the hallways between rooms were winding and uninviting.

One painter I liked was Antonio Berni, an Argentinian who spent most of his life in the 20th century outside Argentina. Given the times, it´s understandable that his work exalts the virtues of the workers and downtrodden. One large painting showed the workers on strike, jamming the streets with signs calling for work and bread. It reminded me of murals by Diego Rivera, very much in the same style. Berni was born in Rosario, the same town up the river from Buenos Aires, appropriately enough, where Che Guevara was born. Maybe the water there raises class consciousness??

Other than that, the museum didn´t have a lot to offer. There´s no getting around it...money makes the museum. Witness the Getty. Perhaps, in time, the MALBA, as its known, will increase its endowment.

One of the best things about B.A. is the cafes. There are cafes all over the place. The waiters come up and take your order. Its also cool to see a waiter rushing out the door with his tray held on high, carrying several coffees for nearby customers who presumably can´t break away from their desks.

My favorite place for lunch is near my hotel. There´s a small door which opens up to a big dining room. The meals are simple but yummy. The Italian influence is strong: raviolis, e.g. I can chow down for about $4, including my diet pepsi. All the tables have tablecloths and wine glasses. It´s great!

Adios for now.