ARGENTINA (Argentina, 2005-2007)

Spiritual and commercial motives are inseparably tied up with each other in rural Argentina. Photographer Guillermo Srodek-Hart focused on the most popular hero in the agrarian community, Gauchito Gil. According to tradition, Gauchito Gil, whose grave attracts many pilgrims, was an Argentine Robin Hood. In the 19th century he deserted from the army because he refused to fight against his countrymen. At his execution he is reputed to have been responsible for a number of miracles, after which his fame grew. Today there are many red altars in honor of Gauchito Gil to be found beside country roads in Argentina.