2020 is here. This is not a drill. 2020 is here and I’m as ecstatic for this era as Simon Cowell debuting a new boyband. What will this upcoming decade hold? Will the dollar-peso exchange rate get back to the 90s? Will Bring It On remakes be put on hold (forever)? Will the bike short trend finally come to an end? So many questions and not enough answers. While I can’t predict the future, I do know one thing: La La Lista is back in town stronger than ever, to update you on the current Buenos Aires art scene.
Where to Go: Galleries and Exhibitions
Norah Borges at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Photo Credit: Arte Online
Curated by Sergio Alberto Baurhe, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes will be showcasing 200+ artworks (paintings, drawings, prints, manuscripts, and photographs) of Argentinian artist Norah Borges (1901-1998). Yes, Jorge Luis Borges and Norah were siblings, in case you were wondering, proving that talent really does run in the family.
Running until March 1st, this free exhibition gathers several works to give us a glimpse of the artist’s life stages; from Norah’s very first introduction to the art world to her works as an established professional, representative of both the Spanish and Argentinian Avant-garde.
Tues-Sat: 11-20 hrs. | Free | Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes | Av. del Libertador 1473 | Recoleta
FIBA: Festival Internacional de Buenos Aires
Photo Credit: Turismo Buenos Aires
Rediscover the old neighborhood of San Telmo through brand new live music, visual arts, performances, and more. From Thursday, January 23rd until February 1st, the streets of San Telmo will come to life thanks to the 13th edition of the Festival Internacional de Buenos Aires; a free, public celebration dedicated, for the most part, to scenic arts. Come join this magical ride and la la land your way down the veredas of Buenos Aires.
Thur 23rd-Sat 1st: 22-1 hrs. | Free | Festival Nacional de Buenos Aires | Defensa (between Alsina and Moreno) | San Telmo
Chinese New Year Celebration
Photo Credit: Búho Mag
There’s nothing like welcoming 2020 Chinese New Year style. If you’re curious about this exceptionally interesting culture and want to augur good luck in all of life’s affairs, don’t miss out on this fun, learning experience.
What will you be encountering? A dress parade flaunting a plethora of traditional dresses from China’s different ethnic groups, live on-site Chinese calligraphy, martial arts exhibitions, a concert of the country’s ancient music and, of course, the almighty Dai Loong (big dragon). It is said that touching the dragon will bring you good luck and prosperity. Well, make way for me, cause I’ll be tackling Dai Loong down, whatever it takes.
Sun 26th: 12 hrs. onwards | Free | Plaza Parques Nacionales | Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre 601 | Belgrano
Soplo by Ernesto Neto
Digital Interactive Art
Born in the 60s in Río de Janeiro, Brazil, Ernesto Neto likes to explore the principles of design and sculpture, dabbling in continuous experimentation with gravity, light, and texture. Seeking to break down the invisible barrier that divides humanity and nature, Neto builds a bridge that reconnects both worlds by means of abstract sculpting, inviting viewers to enroll in physical interaction and a sensory experience.
His sculptures will be presented at MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires) under the curative wings of Valeria Piccoli and Jochen Volz. General entry costs $280, but students, teachers, and seniors pay $140. As always, don’t forget to bring your student IDs!
Thur-Mon: 12-20|$280/$140|MALBA|Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415| Palermo
Venus Perversa by Kenny Lemes
Photo Credit: Kenny Lemes
Marco Arte Foco (headquarters of MARCO (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de La Boca) presents the first solo exhibition of emerging Cuban photographer Kenny Lemes: Venus Perversa. In his series of portraits, the artist disrupts the hegemonic ideologies of beauty and their attendant ideals of perfection, love, and gender.
Thur 16th: 17 hrs. | Free | Marco Arte Foco | Av. Pedro de Mendoza and Wenceslao Villafañe | La Boca
Amor de Verano at Centro Cultural Recoleta
Photo Credit: Maleva Mag
Summer season has officially begun and Centro Cultural Recoleta knows it best. That’s why, starting on Thursday 16th, the CCR will bring the juvenile vibes back to Recoleta neighborhood with a grand opening party lead by the music of DJ Villa Diamante.
Come show off your best breakdance moves (what a better way to start off the new year than with a broken wrist), karaoke your heart out to Luis Miguel’s trademark song Ahora Te Puedes Marchar, or stay away from the mic and take a drawing workshop. Body percussion, cinema talks, live readings, design fairs, and more.
Thur-Mon: 19 hrs| Free | Centro Cultural Recoleta | Junín 1930 | Recoleta
Hone your Skills: Workshops
So you’re staying in Buenos Aires the whole month of January— unlike your friends, who’re probably on their way to Mar del Plata as we speak, ready to soak their feet in the sea and bombard our feeds with countless unneeded stories. Well, keep calm! At La La Lista, we know just how to combat summer loneliness the right way. The answer? Workshops. Wanna draw a model live? Improve your writing skills? If so, keep on scrolling, as we share some top-notch classes you don’t wanna miss this month.
Creative Writing with Ceci Maugeri
Photo Credit: Kaboom Pics
Graduated in Arts and Humanities from the Universidad de Buenos Aires, writer Cecilia Maugeri will be dictating a creative writing workshop during the months of January and February, for those willing to get started in the field of words. Schedules vary and you can choose between three days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. More info? Contact Cecilia here.
Tues: 16-18 hrs. | Thur: 19-21 hrs. | Sat: 11-13 hrs. or 15-19 hrs. | Paid activity | Scalabrini Ortiz 1300 | Palermo
Botanical Painting at Gato Negro
Photo Credit: Creative Fábrica
Well hello there, nature lovers. Would you like to learn the fundamentals of botanical watercolors in just four hours? Reserve your spot at Gato Negro’s intensive workshop today! Ideal for beginners (although everyone is welcome), throughout the course participants will learn to boost their observation, drawing, and painting skills; working on key lines, shapes, and textures. Interested? So are we. Last but not least: all materials are provided. The only thing you’ll need to bring is a plant picture (which you can save on your phone).
Sat 18th: 15:30 hrs. | Paid activity | Gato Negro | Huella Botánica | Fray Justo Sta. María de Oro 1921 | Palermo
Screen Printing with Andrea Moccio
Photo Credit: Medium
You want to stamp your own design on a plain white tee, but have no clue where to begin? This January, artist Andrea Moccio will be giving a three day intensive screen printing course for those who have little or no previous experience. Learn an array of different screen printing techniques with this perfect all round introduction to the wonderful practice. Want to know more? Drop by Andrea’s Instagram.
Fri 17th: 18:30-21:30 hrs. | Sat 18th: 15-18 hrs. | Sun 19th: 9:30-13.30 hrs. | Paid activity | La Paternal
Drama Seminar with Casa Teatro Estudio
To attend a drama seminar or not to attend? That’s the question. I don’t know about you, but I say you channel your inner Claire Danes and go for it. This January, plunge into Casa Teatro Estudio‘s intensive seminar where you’ll playfully explore the basic concepts of the acting process and improvisation. Wanna know more? Drop by the guys’ Instagram or get in touch via teatroestudiocasa@gmail.com.
Tues 28th, Wed 29th, Thur 30th, Fri 31st & Sat 1st | 16-18:30 hrs. | Paid activity |Casa Teatro Estudio | Guardia Vieja 4257 | Almagro
La Casa del Árbol: Choose your Workshop
Photo Credit: Khara Woods
A songwriting and arranging course? Acting classes? Art workshops? Portuguese lessons? Yes, yes, yes and maybe (there’s only so much Portuguese my brain can handle). This summer, La Casa del Árbol will be dictating 30+ workshops on various subjects for those souls staying in Buenos Aires. Eager to find out more? Check out their Instagram page to see La Casa’s agenda.
January | Paid activity | La Casa del Árbol | Av. Córdoba 5217/9 | Palermo
Figure Drawing at Gabinci & Co.
Photo Credit: The Crimson Harvard
Do you live near Quilmes and like to draw? If that’s the case, be sure to check out Gabinci & Co‘s figure (live) drawing workshop taking place Saturday 18th, where you’ll be learning about the importance of body proportions and how to draw them accurately.
Ready to draw some -probably- not French gentleman or lady? (Please tell me you got the pun). No previous experience is required, *however* vacancies are limited, so be sure to sign up here.
Sat 18th: 10-13:30 hrs. | Paid Activity | Gabinci & Co | Bernal | Quilmes
Woodcut Printing at Fábrica de Estampas
Photo Credit: Events High
Last but certainly not least, we bring you Fabrica de Estampa‘s woodcut printmaking workshop; a four-hour class aimed at complete beginners to woodcut– the oldest technique used in fine art printmaking. Throughout the course, you’ll learn about the different tools you need, block cutting, inking process, and printing process. Interested? Drop a line at fabricadestampas@gmail.com (yes, one “E” only!).
Thur 23rd: 18-22 hrs | Paid Activity | Fábrica de Estampas | Nahuel Huapi 4699 | Coghlan