words: peter macia

photography: martin gordopelota

Even the beautiful game can seem blandly homogenous to those who watch every weekend of the year. But Argentinian artist Martin Gordopelota is breaking the monotony by shifting our gaze to the brilliant idiosyncrasies of his neighborhood fútbol. On canvases and walls all over Buenos Aires, he glorifies the longstanding traditions around local five-a-side: copious beers, halftime cigarettes, post-match aside, and occasional showcases of actual skill. For him, and many porteños, these games are therapy—and they are a lot less stressful than worrying about Boca or Messi's trophy cabinet.