Mondongo: Modern art at the Esplendor Buenos Aires Hotel

Just entering to the Esplendor Buenos Aires Hotel, located in the Centre of Buenos Aires, we observe spectacular works of the artistic group “Mondongo” hanging on the walls.

For foreigners who do not know what this word means, “mondongo” is the part that covers the stomach of cattle and the name of the group is about this concept of food; it is a popular dish with a great mix of ingredients.

This group of young and Argentine artists composed initially of Agustina Picasso, Juliana Laffitte and Manuel Mendanha was formed in 1999. Since there, they work together making pictures whose hallmark is the material.

From the first works they used perishable materials (such as cookies, bread crumbs, chewing gum, candies) treated with a solution of toxic resin to prevent its corruption. From 2005, artists began to work with durability materials as iron, plastic and cotton thread and plasticine, becoming talented artisans.

Its works are of great size and what it is most striking is that from a distance it seems a mere portrait or landscape but as you approach you begin to glimpse the raw material that makes you want to touch it and the curiosity of how they did it arises.

An art gallery in the Esplendor Buenos Aires Hotel

The Esplendor Buenos Aires Hotel acquired a collection of works by the art collective Mondongo group that were installed as part of the decoration of the hotel, turning its corridors into a large art gallery in 2006. The collection of works refers to prominent figures of Argentine culture, among others.

The works installed in the hallways, lobby and restaurant of the Esplendor Buenos Aires Hotel are:

Eva Perón: Made with different types of breads and resin on wood.

 

Che Guevara: Made with 40,000 bullets and resin on wood.

J.L. Borges: Made with threads of cotton on wood.

María Elena Walsh: Made with clay on wood.

Antonio Berni: Made with xylographic taco.

Adrián Dárgelos: Made with strass on canvas.

Diego Maradona: Made with gold chains and nails on wood.

Andy Warhol: Made with colors preservatives on wood.

Carlos Gardel: Made with pins on wood.

Carlos Monzón: Made with glass over wood.

Astor Piazzolla: Made with pins on wood.

It is worth noting that the group has a few years bursting with strength in international art circles, they have already bought several of its works in the Moma in New York and the Tate Gallery in London. In 2004 Mondongo was commissioned by the Spanish Royal family the portraits of its members.

Location

• San Martín 780 between Córdoba Av. and Viamonte Av. Downtown Buenos Aires.