Every year, Malba’s collection expands and the works that are incorporated into its collection reinforce its main quality: being a faithful reflection of the Latin American artistic reality, past and present.
In 2024, the institution added 11 works signed by artists such as Gyula Kosice, Noemí Gerstein, Alberto Greco, Gracia Cutuli, Lotte Schulz, Eduardo Ramírez Villamizar, Susana Rodríguez, Mara Facchin and Manuel Espinosa. The Museum’s Acquisitions Committee and private donors made this important expansion of its heritage possible.
Elena Nofal, in charge of the Museum Development Directoratean area that works permanently with the Acquisitions Committee and also with initiatives such as Círculo Internacional, Malba Amigos and Malba Joven; He explained to NOTICIAS how the community is articulated around the Museum and how it intervenes in the development and growth of the institution.
The new acquisitions
The donation of 221 works of art by Eduardo Costantini, founder of Malbato the museum’s collection, was the kick-off to consolidate the collection with which the institution was inaugurated in 2001. From that moment until today, Malba’s heritage has multiplied. Currently, the Museum has 800 pieces incorporated by donations and by the work of the Acquisitions Committee.
This Committee is made up of a group of donors, art lovers. Currently it is made up of 84 people. With all of your contributions, a fund is created that each year translates into purchases to increase the Museum’s collection. All members participate in the decision process for each of the acquisitions, which begins with the suggestions of the Curatorial Department and the Malba Artistic Committee. The list of proposals is submitted to a vote by donors, in democratic and joint deliberation.
“Since its creation in 2012, the Acquisitions Committee has played a crucial role in the expansion of the museum’s collection,” explains Elena Nofal. His first acquisition was the Americanist mural by Antonio Berni, a ‘buono’ fresco with indigenous themes, which is preserved as a unique piece by the Argentine master. This work not only enriches Malba’s permanent collection, but has also involved complex extraction, transfer and restoration work. This addition to the permanent collection was an important initiative to enhance and disseminate the national heritage.”
The Acquisitions Committee also collaborates in the ongoing training of its members through courses and trips to major international art events. “This educational approach contributes to the training of responsible collectors and patrons of art, providing them with the necessary tools to make informed decisions in their own collecting process,” says Nofal. On the other hand, we invite young people between 20 and 35 years old to join the Committee and learn their first steps in collecting, as well as collaborate in exploring new challenges, due to the themes and developments that arise in the art world.”
What criteria are used to choose the works to be acquired? “The selection is made based on the Malba collection, its vacant areas and the needs to consolidate some core works. The Artistic Committee acts as the main advisory body and is led by the Chief Curator, Marita García (the new Artistic Director, Rodrigo Moura, will be joined shortly). The other members are Andrea Giunta, Adriano Pedrosa, Octavio Zaya, Julieta González and Gonzalo Aguilar”, Nofal detail. The acquired works become part of the Malba Foundation’s heritage and are exhibited in the Museum’s rooms. Eduardo Costantini does not participate in the decision of which pieces should be incorporated because he prefers to leave this choice in the hands of the Artistic Committee and the Museum Management.
On the other hand, Malba receives numerous donations every year that are subject to verification and control before entering the institution’s collection.
Another important action that connects the Museum with the community is the International Circle, founded in 2023. “It is a space to think about strategies and generate multiple initiatives with the aim of enhancing the international presence of the museum, made up of professionals socially committed to the promotion and the strengthening of Latin American culture and art,” explains Nofal. Precisely, having international projection was one of the objectives of the institution from its origins; a goal that he achieved over the years, becoming a reference for Latin American art on the continent.
Among the functions of the International Circle, led by Teresa Bulgheroni, president of the Malba Foundation, is to support the Museum’s temporary exhibitions.
The incorporated works
Among the 2024 acquisitions there are artists who are making their debut in the collection, such as the Paraguayan Lotte Schulz with “Gurí” or the Colombian Eduardo Ramírez Villamizar with “Saludo al astronauta”. Also Alberto Greco, with a piece of oil and cement on canvas, the first by this renowned Argentine to enter the collection. In addition, Gyula Kosice (“Constellations”, 1972), two works by Noemí Gerstein (“Roman Landscape” and “Trinomio”) and “Puna III” by Gracia Cutuli. Added to these pieces are five works acquired at Arteba by Alfredo Londaibere, Anselmo Piccoli, Florencia Böhtlingk, Verónica Gómez and Manuel Brandazza. Works by Mara Facchin (“Gota de ambar”), Susana Rodríguez (“#1 Historia internal de S”) and Manuel Espinosa (“Untitled”, 1959) were also incorporated by donation.
“This year’s acquisitions allow us to expand Malba’s collection with key works of Argentine art and extend the Latin American horizon by incorporating new regional scenes,” he explains. María Amalia García, Chief Curator of Malba.
A community work to reach a local and international audience, interested in knowing the best of Latin American art.
Image gallery
