Inspiration #3: Sala Peluche & Ad Minoliti
“Minoliti’s artworks, with their soft-play aesthetic, are a way for them to express themes that are often politicized, opaque, and difficult. As they put it: “Painting is like an open door to talk about something else.”” Josie Thaddeus-Johns in Artsy 🖋️
Ad Minoliti (b. 1980) is an innovative artist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ad Minoliti’s draws on the legacy of geometric abstraction in their native country, where geometry was used as a tool to imagine utopian political and social alternatives. The artist combines personal abstraction and playful figuration freely inspired by the codes of children’s iconography.
Ad Minoliti is a pioneering artist known for her innovative and inclusive approach. Recently, she launched Sala Peluche in Buenos Aires, an experimental space for diverse artistic voices. She also designed the scenography for Rayons Jouets at Hangar Y in France, creating a playful, Bauhaus-inspired environment. These projects showcase her ability to blend creativity with cultural impact.
In 2022, Ad Minoliti launched an experimental exhibition space in Buenos Aires named Sala Peluche with the aim of promoting diverse and inclusive artistic expressions. This innovative project is rooted in ecotransfeminist and antiracist values, providing a monthly showcase for a wide range of artworks. Sala Peluche stands out for its commitment to accessibility in the arts and representation of diverse voices. By responding to the closure of cultural spaces in Buenos Aires, the initiative ensures inclusive access and offers a platform for artists, performers, poets, and musicians who are often underrepresented in traditional venues.
Recently, Ad Minoliti designed the scenography for the exhibition Rayons Jouets, presented by the Art Explora Foundation and on view at Hangar Y until September 22. Drawing inspiration from the environment of a toy store and a child’s bedroom, Minoliti has created a vibrant and playful scenography referencing the construction set designed by Alma Siedhoff-Buscher (1899-1944) for the Bauhaus in 1923. The colorful setup features primary hues, curtains, and geometric furniture, complemented by archival images of toy factories. This imaginative presentation invites visitors into a whimsical world that evokes nostalgia and childhood fantasy.
Ad Minoliti’s recent projects, Sala Peluche and Rayons Jouets, exemplify her innovative spirit and commitment to inclusivity in the art world. By creating Sala Peluche, she has established a vital platform in Buenos Aires that supports diverse artistic voices and fosters accessibility. Her scenography for Rayons Jouets further demonstrates her talent for blending historical references with playful, immersive design. Together, these endeavors highlight Minoliti’s ability to push artistic boundaries and make a meaningful cultural impact on both local and international stages.
#AFIELDinspiration: the unwritten histories of artists-led initiatives