After the interval of the 35th anniversary of ARCOmadrid, the International Fair for Contemporary Art organized by IFEMA, resumes its section dedicated to a guest country, with the presence of one of the most active art markets in Latin America, Argentina, invited as guest of honor in 2017.

The 36th edition of ARCOmadrid, taking place from 22 - 26 February 2017, will present a selection of galleries that will bring to Madrid the contemporary art production of this country. In charge of the selection is Inés Katzenstein, independent curator and director of the Art Department of the UTDT in Buenos Aires.

As usual in this traditional format of ARCO, Focus Argentina will encompass both the presence of galleries at the art fair, as well as a number of special exhibitions throughout Madrid. Under the curatorship of Sonia Becce they will expand the presence of Argentina's contemporary art production to different venues across the city.

Similarly, professionals of Argentina will participate in the Forum of Experts, which will highlight different issues related to the art market and art scene there, and offer an overview of what is most relevant around collecting, curating, and art criticism in Argentina. The program Focus Argentina is supported by the Ministry of Culture of Argentina, the Argentine Embassy in Spain, and arteBA, the contemporary art fair in Buenos Aires, that celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2016.

Curators

Inés Katzenstein
Founding director of the Art Department of the University Torcuato Di Tella in Buenos Aires since 2008, where she develops the Artist's and Exhibition's Program. She was commissioner of the Pavilion of Argentina at the 52nd Venice Biennial 2007, and co-commissioner of Zona Franca at the Mercosur Biennial 2007. From 2004 to 2008, she worked as curator at the MALBA-Fundación Constantini (Museum of Latin American Art Buenos Aires).

Sonia Becce
Independent curator, residing in Buenos Aires. She has worked in several exhibitions cooperating with international institutions such as Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid, MALBA, Buenos Aires, and the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden Washington D.C. Becce has also been a key figure in her cooperation with Guillermo Kuitca since 1987, working in diverse projects for museums, galleries, and publications. In 2014, she was President of the Selection Committee of arteBA.

(From press information.
© Translation from Spanish: Binder & Haupt)