Just like any big city, Buenos Aires is full of messages, from the street signs integral to the order of the urban landscape to the publicities that holler at us constantly as we make our way through the streets. In Buenos Aires a massive quantity of political messages are added to this basic level of visual noise as well.  This city, like many others in Latin America, has a very long tradition of political graffiti.  Throughout the city there is a dizzying array of official posters but also endless anonymous commentaries and huge organized propaganda paintings.

Maybe it’s no surprise then that street art often finds such a welcoming audience in this Buenos Aires.  In a city where most people will tell you that they cannot remember a moment when there were no political paintings, perhaps we’re grateful for the unexpected presence of an artistic mural created just because an artist felt inspired.

In the midst of so much noise, murals of bright colors and abstract forms, like those created by the artist Poeta, offer us a beautiful repose.  In the streets we’re surprised to discover a pure expression by someone who isn’t trying to tell us anything concrete or sell us anything, but just trying to make us stop for a moment in our tracks and contemplate.  This art invites us to step into another space in the middle of this chaotic city.

Here we have an example of an artist whose work translates easily both outdoors and in.  Poeta’s art has impact on and off the streets and there’s a clear coherence whether it’s created on a wall or on canvas.  Poeta is creating from a pure artistic impulse and his message manifests itself wherever he leaves his mark.  Where “traditional” graffiti has been defined by the nature of its context, in this case the artist has discovered his voice and shares his creative word wherever he happens to be.  Of course, our experience of his works changes depending on whether we discover it on a busy street corner or hanging in a gallery, but there’s a continuity and consistency in what the artist accomplishes through his art that is not dependent on context.

At the moment Poeta has an incredible exhibit on at the Honeycomb art gallery and project space.  Full of experiments in different mediums; from acrylic to watercolor and ink, artworks with bright colors and complex geometric forms call out to us from canvas, paper and wood.  Sizes range from small delicate works on paper to large impressive pieces on canvas, as well as the huge mural that greets us in the entranceway of the gallery.

Be sure and get out to visit the exhibit before it closes on September 14!

To arrange a visit, please write to info@inthehoneycomb.com – Exhibition Closing Event: Saturday 14 September, from 6pm to 10pm.

To see more work by Poeta, check out his website: www.christianriffel.com