A fair full of surprises
By Gustavo Martinelli
The Georgian secrétaire made of caoba wood in the XIX century still contains old volumes from the Encyclopaedia Britannica, a brownish rolled music score, and several envelopes concealing old, secret dreams. Nearby stands a quicksilver-gilt French clock made in 1870, close to a sculpture depicting a mythological scene, and a wonderful goblet carved in silver and white marble, lapislázuli, 18-carat gold and gems. These surprising items are just a few of the attractions in Antiqvaria 2005, the VI International Exhibition of Art and Antiques, which opened yesterday at the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires, after the official opening on Monday evening. It is considered as one of the most important fairs, and it presents traditional firms dealing in various items such as jewelry, antique furniture, tapestry, marble items, fireplaces, sculptures, stamps, lamps and even toilets decorated with Art Nouveau-style flowers. There are also pens and several stands with art works, among which Marta Díez Ojeda’s: the artist from Tucumán is exhibiting 62 masks of various styles, one of which dedicated to LA GACETA. This display of antiques has turned one of the most imposing hotels in Buenos Aires into a sort of museum of decorative art, drawing over 8,000 guests a day. Fascination “I am fascinated at the enormous stained-glass window depicting St. George and the Dragon. It is unique”, avowed Belén Sorencer de Ortigas, a 47-year-old Venezuelan visiting Argentina. Her husband, Alfonso Artigas, was attracted to the beautiful writing pens. “I collect stylograph pens, but the ones exhibited here are by far superior”, he stated. He was right. The average price for a pen, depending on the brand, is at least 2,500 dollars. The exhibition is held under the auspices of the Association of Antique Dealers and Friends of San Telmo, organized and carried out by Pichon Rivière & Díaz Bobillo Consultors S.A. Last year the show was visited by over 33,000 persons in four days. As informed by Juan Carlos Maugeri, president of the Association, 71.20% of the visitors were Argentine. “This has prompted us to develop and offer more services to our guests”, he remarked.
Artist from Tucumán exhibits masks BUENOS AIRES. At stand No. 102 antiques look different. They might even be said to be wearing a different mask. It so happens that Tucumán artist Marta Díez Ojeda Ledesma Posse is exhibiting 62 masks based on techniques which she learned in Venice and has developed to the point of their becoming a nearly secret process. Her creations are so impressive as to shine amidst the furniture, jewels and stained-glass displayed at Antiqvaria 2005. In fact, her stand was the most visited one during the opening day. “I have aimed at a fairly representative selection of masks from those I have made in the last three years, so now I am exhibiting a fair summary of my work”, said the artist. Incidentally, the walls of her studio (located at 2961, Arenales St.) are covered with masks. At the stand, shown foremost, is a large silver-colored mask made in papier mâché, decorated with bits of looking-glass and strass. “This is one of my latest creations, and somehow it shows which way I am heading. I began making masks by the classical technique, but now I am evolving into something more sculpture-like”. Also displayed are several widely colored masks which the artist produced as a token of homage to the written and oral media which backed her career, among which LA GACETA. (Special contribution)