Argentina – Fogón de los Arrieros in Resistencia
A Cultural Centre with an Art Gallery, Library and Tango Lessons
Oct 30, 2008
In 1942 the brothers Aldo and Efraín Boglietti founded El Fogón de Arrieros in Resistencia, a cultural centre where plastic artists were inspired and supported. In return the brothers were given so many works of arts as well as presents, that they outgrew their house. A new house annex cultural centre was constructed on Brown 350: an architectural masterpiece featuring a huge living room, a library and a garden to receive friends and hold exhibitions.
The Foundation of Cultural Centre El Fogón de los Arrieros in Resistencia
El Fogón de los Arrieros means "The fire of the muleteers", representing the feeling of friendship the gauchos [cowboys] shared when they spent the nights in the Argentinean Pampas roasting meat, drinking "caña" [sugarcane liquor] or "mate" [herbal drink] and talking deep into the night. Friendship was the main theme of cultural centre El Fogón de los Arrieros, and Aldo Boglietti would give a key to any friend or passenger that wanted to be part of this circle. In the end 400 key-owners formed the Order of Keys – they could come and go as they wished, bringing friendship and knowledge to El Fogón.
In 1968 Aldo Boglietti created a foundation, which his house and belongings were part of. Thanks to this foundation his spirit lives on at cultural centre El Fogón de los Arrieros, his wishes being carried out by volunteers who maintain this cultural centre and organize cultural activities. Unfortunately, as in the case of many art-related institutions, obtaining funds is an eternal problem. Decay has most certainly set in, the house and many of Boglietti’s possessions could do with some form of restoration. Nevertheless, this cultural centre oozes charm from every nook and cranny, and the inspiration of the old days can be felt in each and every corner.
The Museum's Collection of Cultural Centre El Fogon de los Arrieros
When approaching Brown 350, you'll find a small outdoor museum in front of the house featuring sculptures, murals and humorous texts, as well as the grave of Resistencia's beloved stray dog Fernando. Cultural centre El Fogón de los Arrieros is open from 9 am - noon and 21 - 23 pm [entrance fee 5 pesos, US$1,50], during which time you can admire a peculiar amalgam of Boglietti's library and his artworks and collectables – varying from ancient cash registers and typewriters to steel blades and guns, from espresso cups to a chicken with golden eggs. The museum extends into the garden, where you will find some sculptures and a small cemetery.
Cultural Activities at Cultural Centre El Fogón de los Arrieros
Each month an exhibition by a plastic artist from the Chaco province is on show in the living room – the works of art are also for sale.
A Thursday night shouldn't be missed: it's Tango Night [entrance fee 15 pesos]. A small band, with varying musicians, accompanies the dancers and you are free to get on the dance floor. You don't know how to dance the tango? Take lessons in cultural centre El Fogón de los Arrieros on Tuesday or Thursday night.
Resistencia: City of Sculptures
One of Aldo's main companions was sculptor Juan de Dios Mena, who lived in El Fogón for ten years, working on a large collection of sculptures – small-sized and made of wood, often caricaturing people. A large collection of these is exhibited in El Fogón. While Resistencia grew from a village into a cultural city, and gardens and parks were laid out, Aldo Boglietti was the driving force behind the city's public display of art. By the time he passed away, one hundred sculptures formed part of the city's image.
It was the start of Resistencia as the "City of Sculptures", an initiative picked up by the Foundation Urunday which is still working hard to stimulate and maintain sculptural art in the city. Among other things, they organize biennial, international sculpture contests in the third week of July.
Another vibrant cultural centre in Argentina may be found in the city of Córdoba: El Paseo del Buen Pastor.
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