Fernanda Laguna's Retrospective 'Mi Corazón es un Imán' at MALBA Reflects Argentina's Political Shifts

The exhibition 'Mi Corazón es un Imán' by Fernanda Laguna opened on March 12 at MALBA in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and runs until May 25. This retrospective, organized in collaboration with Madrid's Museo Reina Sofía, spans Laguna's work from 1992 to 2025, positioned between two significant dates: March 8, linked to Argentine movements like Ni Una Menos and Mareadas en La Marea, and March 24, the Day of Memory for Truth and Justice, reflecting the country's political transformations over three decades. Born in 1972 in Hurlingham, Laguna is a prominent figure in Argentine visual arts, known for co-founding the alternative space Belleza y Felicidad with poet Cecilia Pavón, which was pivotal for Buenos Aires's artistic and poetic scene in the 1990s. Curated by Miguel López, the show features a diverse array of materials, including stickers, photographs, books, zines, drawings, ceramics, and toys, blending kitsch aesthetics with abstract and cartoon-inspired paintings to create a contemporary, glitch-like experience. The exhibition is divided into two sections: the first room presents intimate, personal works where Laguna appears as her alter-ego 'una corazona,' exploring themes from sensuality to violence, while the second room focuses on collective experiences. Laguna's approach breaks from individualistic art, embracing a multiplicity of passions and everyday objects to narrate stories. The closing date, May 25, coincides with the anniversary of Argentina's independence process, adding historical resonance. The exhibition highlights Laguna's role in documenting and engaging with societal changes through art.