Artisan Projects Chainsaws as Symbols of Political Change in Argentina
Mariano ‘Tute’ Di Tella, a Buenos Aires mechanic, creates custom chainsaws for political leaders, including one for Elon Musk presented by President Javier Milei. Di Tella supports Milei’s reforms but faces economic challenges from the government’s policies. Despite not seeking recognition, he believes these chainsaws symbolize necessary change. He prepares to craft a chainsaw for Donald Trump, intertwining his art with political discourse, while expressing concerns about job losses due to state job cuts.
Mariano ‘Tute’ Di Tella, a 45-year-old mechanic, embarked on a significant mission. Accompanied by his son Milo, he traveled through Buenos Aires to deliver a custom-made chainsaw to President Javier Milei for presentation to Elon Musk. This chainsaw, crafted from aluminum and bronze, symbolized a robust dedication to governmental reform and resonated with Musk’s goal of dismantling bureaucratic barriers.
The excitement surrounding this unique creation has greatly enthralled Di Tella. He views the chainsaw as an emblem of empowerment he crafted for Milei, reflecting a desire not just for economic reform but for comprehensive change. “The chainsaw is an instrument of power that I made so that he can make a change,” Di Tella remarked, emphasizing his artistic contribution.
Currently, Di Tella is focused on his next project: a chainsaw intended for former President Donald Trump. Following a request from Milei’s spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, he is set to create this piece within six weeks. Di Tella previously completed Musk’s chainsaw in just 20 days, laser-engraving an emblematic phrase into the saw’s material.
Although Di Tella supports Milei’s initiatives to revitalize Argentina’s economy, he refrains from labeling himself politically. He has experienced personal stability, not through monetary benefits from the government but rather by taking on additional work after substantial income losses during the pandemic. “I’m an ordinary citizen who became fed up, angry and overwhelmed,” Di Tella explained.
Despite his creations contributing to Milei’s political agenda, Di Tella has yet to meet the President. He considers it poetic that he and Milei remain unknown to each other, bonded solely by the chainsaws he produces. The artist expresses appreciation for the meaning invested in his work amid the political landscape.
Nonetheless, Di Tella faces consequences from Milei’s rigorous economic reforms. His property maintenance fees surged dramatically due to extensive cuts to long-standing subsidies previously provided by the government. He navigates challenges without a personal vehicle to get to his jobs, repairing machinery and representing a chainsaw brand.
Di Tella clarifies that he has not received any form of payment for his chainsaws, viewing art’s value as beyond monetary compensation. He insists on self-funding the machine’s materials, as he states, “Money doesn’t have any power over my art.” This commitment underscored his hope for positive change through Milei’s leadership.
While supportive of Milei, Di Tella harbors concerns about the socio-economic impacts of the President’s policies. He fears potential job losses stemming from state job cuts amidst the reform strategy. Di Tella expresses a desire for balance in Milei’s approach to ensure the welfare of affected citizens.
His affinity for chainsaws initiated in his youth, inspired by experiences of felling trees and cinematic portrayals. Di Tella regards the chainsaw as a non-violent instrument of transformation, asserting, “The chainsaw is a symbol of change.” This perspective portrays his artistic endeavors as a call to embrace necessary alterations within society and governance.
In summary, Mariano Di Tella’s custom-made chainsaws serve as powerful symbols of change within the political transformations led by Javier Milei. While Di Tella supports these reforms, he navigates personal and societal challenges resulting from the drastic measures taken by the government. His commitment to art transcends financial motivations, embodying a deeper message of change and empowerment, despite the risks involved in these political maneuvers. He advocates for a balance in Milei’s approach to ensure that these political changes do not adversely affect the livelihoods of the citizens. Ultimately, Di Tella’s story underscores the intersection of art and politics, highlighting the transformative power of creativity in the midst of economic and social upheaval.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
