An Epistolary That Transcends Art
Cecilia Pavón and Fernanda Laguna, Argentine poets and artists, discussed their book 'Belleza y Felicidad', an autobiography of a friendship that developed between 1999 and 2001. During that time, Argentina was experiencing an economic, political, and social crisis. The two women opened an art gallery that became a space of cultural resistance, challenging patriarchal norms and the institutionalization of Argentine art. 'We were feminists without knowing it', said Pavón, referring to the lack of feminist concepts at the time. The gallery was not just an artistic space, but also a reference point for thinking about independence, affective bonds, and inclusion outside established institutions.
Artistic Resistance in History
The book, published in 2024, is a reconstruction of their collective experience. 'At the time, we didn't realize it was something historical', recalled Laguna. The two women explained how their collaboration was an act of resistance, as the culture was dominated by men in the 90s. 'We started to write and create art in the 90s, and in poetry, men authorized you to be a poet', highlighted Pavón. The gallery Belleza y Felicidad became a space where couples and friends were integrated, creating a dynamic of collaboration that transcended art. 'We functioned as a cell', said Laguna, describing their creative relationship as a 'Cecifer', a name symbolizing their artistic fusion.
Between Art and History
The conversation also addressed the criticism they received for their feminist approach. 'They told us it was wrong, and then that term came', said Pavón, referring to the lack of concepts like autofiction or the autobiographical turn at the time. The book's editorial, published in photocopy, was a form of economic resistance. 'We didn't want people to have to pay', explained Pavón, emphasizing their focus on accessible art. The book not only recalls their history but also the reality of the country during that period, integrating the economic and social crisis into their narrative. 'Everything we did had to do with relationships', concluded Pavón, emphasizing the role of bonds in their work.
