2025 Poster Session

In the historic district of La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina ,15 murals by the renowned artist Benito Quinquela Martín are preserved at Escuela N° 9 Pedro de Mendoza. Quinquela, a native of this working-class neighborhood, sought to enrich the educational experience of children from humble backgrounds by integrating art into their daily lives. His murals, characterized by their vibrant depictions of local culture, labor, and community life, reflect a deep commitment promoting a sense of identity and belonging among students.

The significance of these murals extends beyond their artistic value; they serve as a cultural reference point for the school and the surrounding community. When Quinquela created these pieces, his intention was to inspire pride and commitment in the students, encouraging them to view art as an integral part of their environment. This vision remains relevant today, as the murals continue to resonate with students, fostering a connection to their heritage and encouraging a sense of belonging to their cultural identity.

Nevertheless, the deterioration of these murals over time has triggered concerns regarding their preservation. In light of the significance of these murals as both artistic expressions and integral components of the school's identity, a restoration project initiated in 2019. This project was possible through collaboration between the Buenos Aires Education Ministry and the Centro TAREA, Universidad Nacional de San Martín.

The aim of the restoration process extends beyond the conservation of the physical artworks; it also seeks to stimulate renewed interest and appreciation for cultural heritage within the school community. The initiative combines the intervention with a comprehensive conservation project and active participation from students, teachers, and school administrators, thereby fostering a deeper connection with the school's cultural legacy. The murals function as a unifying element, bridging the past and the present, functioning as a conduit between the past and the present, offering students a sensitive understanding of their identities and histories. It is of critical importance to acknowledge the value and significance of these paintings and advocate for their conservation.

The project places particular emphasis on the role of education as a central axis of the intervention. It also incorporates the participation of both advanced students from the conservation and restoration degree at UNSAM and interns from the specialization. The murals are a subject of ongoing research and discussion among students engaged in thesis work, providing a venue for professional practice and a space for debate and reflection among peers.

In essence, the murals created by Benito Quinquela Martín at Escuela N° 9 Pedro de Mendoza serve as a crucial intersection between the arts, education, and community engagement. The preservation of these artistic and cultural assets is crucial for the maintenance of Quinquela's artistic legacy and for the empowerment of future generations to appreciate and engage with their cultural heritage. The joint effort between the educational authorities and public institutions serves to illustrate the potential of community-driven initiatives to foster a sens of pride and identity in the heart of La Boca.

This case study highlights the importance of collaboration between different institutions: the Ministry of Education of Buenos Aires, as the client; the TAREA Center at the National University of San Martín, responsible for the restoration; and Escuela N° 9, which houses these invaluable cultural art works.