Claudio Blanc roams the streets at night, capturing the spirit of Argentina through his charming street photography. 

My name is Claudio.

Eight years ago, I decided to move from the interior to the capital of Argentina to get a job (after a lot of thinking). I finally settled down and now live with my partner. Three years ago, out of curiosity, I approached photography to get out of a rut. I did a basic course and pretty soon, it caught me.

I had practically no contact with the characteristic music of Buenos Aires. I was born closer to folklore, while tango is found in urban spaces. But when you get here, you cannot help it: you breathe the tango wherever you walk. There are exclusive radios, you hear it when you pass in front of a cafe, when you travel by taxi…

It is even present on the walls.

The bandoneón is the soul of the tango and provides a sound of lament, much like a groan. And it is the theme chosen by national urban artists.

Here, there is much freedom for street art. Far from forbidding it, the authorities encourage it. That’s why talented international artists come to this city.

Tango was born in the poor suburbs. It has its origin in a mixture of cultures: European, African, Latin American. This cultural diversity is also reflected in its architecture.

Broken dreams, suffering because of love or poverty, the passage of time, horse racing, friendships. These are some themes of the tango poets.

I have perceived that feeling of melancholy typical of Buenos Aires. It is like an enigmatic spirit that surrounds the air, and it crosses you in a moment of solitude. Perhaps it is the nostalgia of the first immigrants who could not return, or a collective tear of the imagined city that never was.

Thanks to photography, little by little, I discover and fall in love with the city.

Ever since my daughter was born a year and a half ago, I did not have much free time. And then, I started to walk the streets at night. It has its charm, a certain magic because it slows down the city and people are more quiet or open.

I think the people of the night are more predisposed to dialogue, because tensions are reduced: work problems, discussions about traffic, chaos in general.

This is the ideal time for meetings.

It’s an aspect that I like about Buenos Aires: there is a lot of nightlife and social life. Not just on Saturdays or Sundays, but any day of the week.

Corrientes Avenue is the most important art space, where nightlife and bohemianism converges. It is the street of cinemas, theaters, bookstores, restaurants.

Tango grew here, from the shores of the city.

There are places that are armed to receive the tourist with tango shows, classes, and sales. And there are other more traditional places where people get together to dance without so much merchandising.

I like to observe the movements of those from the old school, in front of the young dancers who take classes.

The dance is very sensual and requires some emotional connection with the other person.

There is drama and intensity. But at the same time, they do it naturally.

They do it with passion. As if it were the last time.

If you listen, you will hear it. The tango awaits you.

Dance the night away on Claudio’s website.

Enjoying our stories? Send us some Facebook or tumblr love!