Marta Minujín Honored as National Culture Personality Amidst Art Awards

Marta Minujín, the "queen of Argentine pop art," was celebrated as an emeritus personality of National Culture at the Palacio Libertad. At 83, the artist, dressed in a silk jumpsuit inspired by her "Pandemia" work, radiated vitality before a packed audience.

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Art is not for looking at, it is for living. It is thinking that nothing is impossible.

Minujín shared her unconventional philosophy, stating, "The best thing is to be a failure. Like Jesus Christ, Van Gogh, and Modigliani, who failed in life. One must not seek success, but go beyond and be a 'trans-failure.' I celebrate not having a cent, because all the failures in my life served me."

She advised young artists to be authentic and not chase trends or think about selling, emphasizing that living from art is difficult and not about making money. Minujín revealed her secret to vigor: "When I go to the workshop, I charge myself with energy. Working is fantastic."

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The best thing is to be a failure. Like Jesus Christ, Van Gogh, and Modigliani, who failed in life. One must not seek success, but go beyond and be a 'trans-failure.' I celebrate not having a cent, because all the failures in my life served me.

Leonardo Cifelli, Secretary of Culture of the Nation, introduced Minujín as "one of the most original, free, and influential artists in Argentina," noting she "never accepted that art had limits." This distinction joins those given to other cultural icons like Mirtha Legrand and Luis Brandoni.

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To young people I would advise them to be authentic, not to follow trends or think about selling. Living from art is very difficult, it is not for making money.

Earlier that day, three artists from different provinces received the Fundación María Calderón de la Barca 2022 federal painting prize. Samanta Rched Abugauch of Córdoba won the first acquisition prize of $30,000. The event also featured an exhibition of works by 24 finalists from across the country, part of a biennial contest that has recognized major figures in Argentine contemporary art for over six decades.

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When I go to the workshop, I charge myself with energy. Working is fantastic.