Flashes of the Argentine Post-Dictatorship: The Return of Roberto Jacoby at ARCOMadrid
Roberto Jacoby's photographic series 'Virus' was showcased at ARCOMadrid, highlighting his artistic contributions during Argentina's transition to democracy.
The artist Roberto Jacoby, known for his involvement in the avant-garde movements of the 1960s and his engagement in significant political art actions like Tucumán Arde, is once again making waves at ARCOMadrid with his series 'Virus' created in 1989. This series features 131 photographs, many of which have rarely been exhibited, that encapsulate the spirit and vitality of the time when Jacoby was not only an artist but also a composer and designer.
His participation in the art fair, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary with over 200 galleries from around the world, reflects a broader movement of artists revisiting their past work in light of Argentina's transition to democracy. The photographs echo themes of joy and celebration from that era while also addressing the political undertones prevalent in his more significant works like 'A Guerrilla Does Not Die to be Hung on a Wall,' created in 1968.
Jacoby's return to Madrid for this exhibition marks not just a homecoming of sorts for the artist but also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art in political discourse. By presenting these rarely seen pieces in a contemporary setting, Jacoby re-establishes the relevance of his work and prompts a reflection on the collective memory of Argentina’s post-dictatorship era, making the event significant both locally and internationally.