Women, portrayed in black and white, characterize Lestido. It is a mark. Her mark.

The reflection on femininity, especially on its darker areas, is undoubtedly a theme to which Lestido returns time after time and with great skill. It is not by chance that the male is absent in the works of Adriana. Even though almost none appear in her photos, the sensation one feels as a spectator is that men always have a haunting presence, both in love and rejection.

And a world without men, as proposed by Adriana, generates a discord you cannot ignore. In her photos, the lack of men is a clear absence, shown in the eyes of the women, an emptiness which produces grief, sadness, and leaves a mark on those viewing.

It is also true that in the series Mothers and Daughters filial love replaces the absence of love in partnership with a man. That intimate bond between the baby and her mother is portrayed masterfully, and almost all these pictures make us smile. Here undoubtedly tenderness has triumphed.

In some ways maybe the works of Lestido are just that: a long reflection on love. The love of a broken couple, the love of children for their mothers who take care of them. Just simply love. This is the core thread running throughout the exhibition, which, although a small selection, gives a powerful sense of her work.

It is certain that those who visit this exhibition will be moved by a profound and sensitive artist, whose photographs are challenging in their skill. In each photo, there is something more than just a portrait - something hiding from us but at the same time inviting discovery.

This fantastic selection of Adriana Lestido’s works, curated by Fernando Farina, shocks even the most prepared visitor with its power.

Furthermore, it is a great way to start a cycle of traveling exhibitions that will show the world the talent of great Argentine artists who recently exhibited at the Museo Mayor of Argentina.

This exhibition was organized and supported by the Secretary of Culture of the President’s Office and the Consulate General in New York, and was produced by the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Futhermore, this beautiful catalogue the visitor has in their hands was specially made for this occasion.

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