Mattresses, bugs, bottle caps, tires, and money: just a sampling of the innovative materials used by some of the 800 artists displayed at this year’s ArteBA.  This annual event is Latin America’s largest contemporary art fair (think Art Basal but smaller and in Argentina).  From May 22-26, the Buenos Aires event space, La Rural, was filled with installations by 80 contemporary art galleries from across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Spain and the United States.

Unsurprisingly, most of the works had vibrant colors, keeping in line with traditional Latin culture. The most unexpected aspect of the fair was the wide variety of found objects that made for fun viewing and quirky displays, not to mention, surprising patterns. We gravitated towards a Che Guevara portrait depicted with Coca-Cola bottle caps, a giant pillow created out of currency and a huge “animal” created out of tires and found objects.  Marta Minujin, a famous Argentine artist, created a room out of mattresses, controlling the environment her visitors experienced.  Quilted white walls tied together with jute drew striking parallels to what crib life might be like for adults.

We love how these artists took everyday objects and carefully manipulated them to execute new moods and works of art. Aside from new emerging patterns, traditional ideas and concepts were challenged through form and construction.  With 125,000 people in attendance, this year’s fair was ArteBA’s largest success thus far. We are anxiously awaiting next year’s show!

Coverage by: Rebecca Silver