The Faena Arts Center opened its doors at the end of last year and now boasts an immaculate marble staircase that takes visitors straight to the main room. A giant photograph of the old machinery room — which now holds the main arts space — contrasts with the newly renovated facade. The organic wooden information desk, made by the same artist who is showing inside, was built using no glue or screwsand has matching benches scattered around the building.
This fresh arts space is now showing a colorful and very fun piece by Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto. Curated by Tate Modern’s own Jessica Morgan, this interactive structure hangs from the building’s high ceilings for everyone to enjoy. Made from standard hand-knitted climbing ropes, stones and plastic balls, the piece invites visitors to take their shoes off and wander around it.
Like spiders on a web, kids and adults enjoy the large-scale structure, which is an example of Neo-Concrete art, a Brazilian 1950s movement that engages spectators by immersing them in giant three-dimensional spaces. Though it is masked by a modern renovated building that aims for luxury, the old recycled mill can still be seen through the large original windows and the whole shell structure from afar. A contrast between the old and the new, the basic and the luxurious, this magnificent new arts space is definitely an spot not to be missed in the bustling Argentine capital.
+ Faena Arts Center
Photo © Ana Lisa Alperovich for Inhabitat
