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Gender, Sexuality and Relationships in Art: My visit to MALBA - Buenos Aires

Writer's picture: Christina GesingChristina Gesing

Walking through the halls of the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), I was once again struck by how art can so deeply reflect the complexities of human relationships. The collection isn’t just a celebration of Latin American creativity; it’s a profound exploration of —gender, sexuality, identity, and connection - themes that shape our lives. I found myself pausing often, not just to admire the technique but to absorb the stories these works tell. Let me take you through some of the pieces that impressed me most.


 

Maria Martins: "Impossível"

Maria Martins’ sculpture "Impossível" adds a provocative dimension to the exploration of relationships. Its surreal, intertwining forms evoke a sense of connection that is simultaneously intimate and fraught with tension. At first sight, the two shapes appear to be violently fighting. But as I stood before it , it appeared as if the organic shapes were striving for unity while remaining distinct, almost as if locked in an eternal struggle to merge yet remain separate.


This tension aligns beautifully with the concept of differentiation as described by relationship experts like Ellyn Bader and Martha Kauppi. Differentiation involves maintaining a sense of self while being deeply connected to another. Martins’ work seems to encapsulate this idea—two forms intertwined yet distinct, representing the delicate balance of intimacy and autonomy. In relationships, especially during conflicts, the struggle to preserve one’s individuality while reaching for connection can feel as impossible as the sculpture’s title suggests.


For fighting couples, this sculpture serves as a powerful metaphor. It reflects the push-and-pull dynamic inherent in many partnerships: the desire to be understood and seen, juxtaposed with the need to remain true to oneself. Martins’ work reminds us that this tension, while challenging, is also an opportunity for growth. By leaning into differentiation, couples can navigate their conflicts with greater empathy and self-awareness, ultimately forging deeper and more resilient connections.


 

Frida Kahlo: The Intersection of Pain, Passion, and Sexuality

Frida Kahlo’s work is a raw, unapologetic mirror of her inner world. One cannot discuss gender and sexuality in art without acknowledging her immense contributions. Her "Autorretrato con Chango y Loro" exudes resilience, yet vulnerability. As I stood before it, I couldn’t help but feel the intensity of her gaze—a challenge, perhaps, to the viewer to see beyond the surface.


Kahlo’s sexuality was as layered and bold as her art. Openly bisexual, she defied societal norms through relationships with men and women, reflecting her fluid and multifaceted identity. This freedom and complexity found their way into her work, where themes of longing and self-exploration merge with larger commentaries on love and power.


Her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera adds yet another layer to her narrative. Their bond, marked by passion and infidelity, repeatedly surfaces in her art. Kahlo’s ability to express deeply personal pain well exemplified in her lithograph "El aborto" (The miscarriage).



This black-and-white print depicts Kahlo’s nude body surrounded by symbolic elements such as a fetus, a cyrying moon and an art pallette. Her body divided into a light half and a dark one, which has been interpreted as depicting two sides of her psyche: The artistic who creates and the injured woman with an unfulfilled desire to have children. The rawness of the suffering that comes with the loss of bodily autonomy is palpable. Clearly art, like therapy, can be a space to process and transform pain.


 

Marcia Schwartz: "Batato"

Marcia Schwartz’s "Batato" (1989) is a vibrant, celebratory homage to the performance artist Batato Barea (1061 - 1991), a queer trailblazer in Argentina. The piece captures Batato’s flamboyant energy and fearless defiance of gender norms. Schwartz’s dynamic forms and bold colors felt alive, almost as if Batato’s spirit were present in the room.


For me, this piece was a reminder of the beauty of self-expression and individuality. It brought to mind the courage of all those who live identities outside of traditional norms. Be it queer people beyond cisgender, pan/homosexuals, polyamorous/people in non-monogamy or kinksters. "Batato" is more than a portrait; it’s a declaration of freedom and the joy of being unapologetically oneself.



 

Antonio Berni: "Susana and the Old Man"

Antonio Berni’s "Susana and the Old Man" (1931) stopped me in my tracks. . The tension in this piece is palpable. Susana, a young woman, is subjected to the unsettling gaze of an older man, encapsulating a power dynamic that is all too familiar. The painting is referencing an biblical episode from then book of Daniel, which has been revisited by artists across time. Berni’s critique of the objectification of women remains relevant, resonating with contemporary conversations about consent and patriarchy.


Clearly these dynamics still play out in the relationships I encounter in mine, as well as my clients day to day. It´s a stark reminder of the importance of addressing these imbalances in our lives and partnerships.



 

I appreciated how MALBA aspires to be a space that encourages reflection on not only love and loss, but also gender, power and the body. Walking through these galleries, I felt a deep resonance with the stories these artists tell.


Curious to hear what pieces of art speak to you!



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