Exploring Argentina Through Monochrome Photography: An Artistic Viewpoint

To mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Argentina relations, a group of 31 Argentine photographers, headed by renowned nature photographer Diego Ortiz Mugica, will showcase their 50 works of art.

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The exhibition “50 Years-50 Images”, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Argentina and Vietnam (1973-2023), will be held in Hanoi on May 6.

When thinking of Argentina, the first things that come to mind are soccer and the passionate enthusiasm of its fans, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, the highly fertile soil of the Pampas where grains and cattle flourish, the renowned Malbec wine, and succulent beef.

It boasts stunning landscapes, a vibrant culture, and a passionate population. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the majestic Andes Mountains, Argentina is a country full of beauty and opportunity.

Argentina is a destination like no other, renowned for its stunning and unique natural landscapes, from the Perito Moreno Glacier and Iguazú Falls to the vast Patagonia and Andes mountain ranges. The cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires is a vibrant cultural hub, renowned for its tango, polo, mate tea, and theaters. But Argentina is much more than that. It is a place of immense beauty and opportunity, boasting stunning landscapes, a rich and vibrant culture, and passionate people. From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires to the majestic Andes Mountains, Argentina is truly a country like no other.

 Ochoa’s fishing line on the Limay River, Neuquen province. (Photo: Diego Ortiz Mugica)

According to the Argentine Embassy, “50 Years – 50 Images” is an exhibition that invites visitors to discover Argentina from a fresh perspective, distinct from the traditional images that are usually portrayed yet no less remarkable.

Utilizing the language and expression of black-and-white photography as a driving force, Diego Ortiz Mugica and the teachers and students of his School of Photography are creating a captivating portrait of Argentina. From its people of various latitudes to its remarkably generous and majestic nature, these picturesque images provide a unique glimpse into the essence of the country.

Diego Ortiz Mugica is a renowned Argentinean photographer born in 1962. His acclaimed book Fly Fishing Moments, and his captivating photographs of Patagonia have traveled around the world. Ortiz Mugica’s work has been showcased in the most renowned museums and cultural institutions in Argentina, New York, Washington, Florence, Frankfurt, and Palma de Mallorca.

 Legendary football star Diego Maradona. (Photo: Hugo Iezzi)

His photographs are part of notable international collections, such as the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Arcade Foundation, and the Rabobank Foundation. Ortiz Mugica regularly holds seminars and workshops in Buenos Aires and Bariloche, where his studio and photography school are located.

For this exhibition, Ortiz Mugica has carefully curated photographs by renowned artists such as Esau García, Felicitas Bonino, Carolina Canziani, Pame Quirno, Ximena Matienzo, Laura Bezzato, Lola García Berros, and Rocío Luis.

The labyrinth of photographic views gives this exhibition a unique artistic value. It is an extensive journey through Argentina in search of unprecedented moments in a land full of people, animals, plants, and remote landscapes. Imbued with beauty and splendor, the exhibition provides a captivating glimpse into this vibrant culture.

 Diego Ortiz Mugica is a master of natural photography. Photo: Facebook

From the majestic mountains of Jujuy Province in the far north of Argentina, to the bustling port of Buenos Aires and all the way to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, dubbed “the end of the world” – this exhibition invites visitors from the capital to discover the stunning beauty of Argentina, to gain an insight into the culture of its people, and to immerse themselves in their everyday lives, beliefs, and aspirations.

The viewpoints expressed in 50 Years-50 Pictures come together in communion with the landscape and the people, conveying a deep connection between the artists and the moment captured. The stillness of the images allows us to perceive the profound.

The visualization, the technique, and the obsession to create high-quality photos are a way of showing respect for the viewers. Capturing a perfect shot requires dedication, skill, and a passion for the craft, so that the audience can appreciate the beauty of the image.

The exhibition will be running from May 6 to 15 at Complex 01 Art Space in Dong Da District, Hanoi. It is part of the Photo Biennale Hanoi’23.