Tango
ART
Tango art is given a platform here. We would like to introduce painters, illustrators, sculptors, photographers and writers who have made Argentine dance, music and culture their subject.
“Art is a daughter of freedom.” (Friedrich Schiller)
"Tango Heroes" by Karin Lüders
The Munich painter Karin Lüders is currently working on a portrait series of Argentine tango singers. This series comprises at least ten large-format paintings. The backgrounds of the portraits are covered with graffiti and Street Art from Buenos Aires inspired.
The idea came about when Karin wanted to express her love for the Argentinian dance in painting. The golden era of tango with its incomparable “superstars” is long gone. However, today a new generation of dancers and musicians. They keep the tradition alive in our century and give it new impulses. Thanks to these artists, we are even talking about a "new golden era". They were the ones who shaped Karin's personal tango period (2005 to today) and filled the music with fresh energy and dynamism.
Technique and formats
The style of the artwork is photorealistic, the technique classically in oil paint on linen.The format is 90 x 120 cm, stretched on a wooden frame. The edges are also painted all around, so the artworks can be hung without additional framing. Not all original paintings are currently for sale. However, it is possible to... Fine Art Prints All works are available as giclée prints in three different formats. The edition is limited to 10 to 30 copies per format, depending on the size.
For example: A fine art print measuring 49 x 64 cm is limited to 30 copies. The giclée print is produced on Hahnemühle "William Turner" paper and includes a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. For inquiries regarding formats, materials, and prices, please contact [contact information missing in original text]. info@karin-lueders.de
When Tango meets Street Art
Karin particularly sees the singers as heroes of contemporary tango. They represent certain orchestras and, as their “front figures,” captivate the audience. Through their stage presence and charisma, some of them became true icons. With her Tango art Karin would like to honor these talented musicians and and create a monument to them.
However, this isn't done in a classical style, but rather a way to combine tradition and modernity. Karin chose street art motifs from the tango metropolis of Buenos Aires as the backgrounds for her portraits. The result can also be understood as a homage to the local street artists. The realistically painted faces stand in exciting contrast to the backgrounds. Their color and shape are highly expressive. One could say that two worlds collide directly, combining to create the statement: "Tango is contemporary!"
Eliana Sosa
Eliana Sosa has been the lead singer of the Orquesta Típica Misteriosa Buenos Aires since 2008. She recorded three albums with the orchestra and performed on stage all over the world. She also dedicates herself to other projects. In 2013 she recorded her first solo CD entitled “Sinergia Tanguera”. She gives singing lessons and is also a singer with the Orquesta Juan Pablo Gallardo, with whom she released the CD “De culto y popular” in 2019. Her second solo album “De Donde Vengo” followed in 2021. In addition to tango tracks, you can also hear Argentine folklore and self-written compositions here.
“Eliana Sosa, tango singer”
Original painting by Karin Lüders, 2022
Format 90 x 120 cm, oil on linen
Marisol Martinez
Marisol Martinez, who was noticed for her talent from an early age, was the first singer of the Orquesta Romántica Milonguera. With her smoky voice and sensual, self-confident charisma, she contributed to the success of this orchestra. Its special feature is the elaborate music videos in which Marisol appeared. She now sings with other orchestras such as El Cachivache, Orquesta Típica Andariega and La Auténtica Milonguera. She recorded successful albums with all these formations. In 2021 she recorded an album with her own band, “Marisol Martinez y Los Gentiles”.
“Marisol Martinez, tango singer”
Original painting by Karin Lüders, 2022
Format 90 x 120 cm, oil on linen
Ximena Gimenez
Ximena Gimenez became known when she joined the Orquesta Romántica Milonguera as lead singer. She impressed the audience with her beautiful voice, perfect singing technique and original retro look. She is now also a sought-after solo act. In the summer of 2023 she released her first album “Un Infierno”. On this she interprets classic tango songs in her own arrangements. She is currently giving live concerts at many milongas with her band “Los Infernales”. She also appears in several high-profile tango shows in Buenos Aires.
“Ximena Gimenez, tango singer”
Original painting by Karin Lüders, 2023
Format 90 x 120 cm, oil on linen
Javier Di Ciriaco
Javier Di Ciriaco was the founder, musical director and singer of “Sexteto Milonguero”. This has provided a fresh, energetic sound since 2006 and has shaped recent tango history. The orchestra reached large audiences on tours through Europe, Asia, South America and the USA. After producing three albums together, Javier released his solo album “Íntimo” in 2016. In addition to tango tracks and Argentine folklore, it also contains pop songs, some of which are original compositions. In 2020, the Sexteto Milonguero disbanded. But its music with Javier's unique voice can still be heard at many milongas.
“Javier Di Ciriaco, singer/songwriter”
Original painting by Karin Lüders, 2023
Format 90 x 120 cm, oil on linen
El Chino Laborde
Walter "El Chino" Laborde looks back on a long and varied career. He co-founded the Orquesta Fernandez Fierro, which invented a new, rock-infused tango style. Other milestones in his career included the Chino Laborde Trio and the Orquesta Sans Souci, with whom he recorded the album "Porteñísimo" in 2020. He has recorded numerous other albums and also appeared in films. These include "Midsummer Night Tango," in which he explores the roots of Finnish tango with musician friends, and "Ein letzte Tango" by German Kral. Chino will soon be seen in Oliver Kolker's feature film "Tuve El Corazón."
“El Chino Laborde, tango singer”
Original painting by Karin Lüders, 2023
Format 90 x 120 cm, oil on linen
Jesús Hidalgo
Jesús Hidalgo studied guitar and singing and won several awards as a soloist. He has taken part in festivals in Argentina and abroad, including Spain, Uruguay, Japan, Brazil and the USA. His career included various radio and television appearances, for example he sang in a duet with Inés Cuello. He released several albums such as “El día después” and “Ese Abril”. Jesús sings with orchestras such as La Auténtica Milonguera, Quinteto Leopoldo Federico and Orquesta de Tango de Buenos Aires. A highlight of his career was a performance at the 100th anniversary of Astor Piazzolla in the famous Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
“Jesús Hidalgo, tango singer”
Original painting by Karin Lüders, 2024
Format 90 x 120 cm, oil on canvas
Inés Cuello
Inés Cuello is known for her emotional and passionate performances. Her international career began in 2009 with the show "Tango Pasión", with which she toured the world. Thanks to her extraordinary vocal range and her ability to evoke emotions in her listeners, she is considered one of the best interpreters of tango and folklore. Her albums "Sueño de Juventud", "Canciones del Sur", "Gardel" and "Mi Ciudad y Mi Gente" earned her three nominations for the Gardel Awards. Inés has appeared on television several times and has performed on stage at the famous Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
“Inés Cuello, singer”
Original painting by Karin Lüders, 2024
Format 90 x 120 cm, oil on linen
Juan Villarreal
Juan Villarreal, born in Patagonia/Argentina, appears as singer, guitarist and composer in various musical projects: Orquesta El Arranque, Dúo Villarreal Crom or Nidia y su Banda. Known for his poetic tones, Juan captivates listeners with his charismatic stage presence. He has given many concerts in Latin America, the USA and Europe and recorded several albums. In 2017 he toured Europe with the Argentine-Norwegian group "El Muro Tango". Their joint album "Nostálgico" received much critical acclaim. With the Orquesta El Arranque he recorded the album "Camaradas" in 2022. In the same year the album "D'Arienzo en Guitarras" was released, in 2023 followed "Moderno Trovador", both with guitarist Patricio Crom.
“Juan Villarreal, singer, guitarist”
Original painting by Karin Lüders, 2025
Format 90 x 120 cm, oil on linen
Antonela Alfonso
Antonela Alfonso is an Argentinian tango singer. Her voice, shaped by her roots and her early love of tango, blends tradition with contemporary sensibility. She was a member of Tango Bardo, with whom she recorded the album Ella y Caló. Currently, she performs with the Romántica Milonguera orchestra and participates in recordings and international tours. In parallel, she is developing AH! Tango Dúo, an intimate project featuring original arrangements. She has appeared in stage productions such as Black Tango, Gotanbo, and Hidden Rhythms, and has performed in renowned tango venues in Buenos Aires—Mansión Tango, Palacio Tango, Carlos Gardel, Casa Blanca, among others—as well as on stages throughout Europe and Asia.
“Antonela Alfonso, singer”
Original painting by Karin Lüders, 2025
Format 90 x 120 cm, oil on linen
Marco Bellini
Marco Bellini co-founded the outstanding Orquesta El Afronte in 2004. With their powerful sound, the musicians brought tango into the modern age, remaining purely acoustic in contrast to electro-tango. Their CDs from 2006 to 2019 include Tango Al Palo, Íntimo Puñal, and Claroscuro. Today, Marco organizes the renowned Maldita Milonga and manages the Atroden Club, which has been designated a "Place of Cultural Interest" by the city of Buenos Aires. Since 2024, Marco has also been a singer with the famous Romántica Milonguera, where he performs as a duet with Antonela Alfonso. They recorded the CD Vete De Mi with this orchestra. Marco also works as a guest vocalist with orchestras such as La Juan D'Arienzo, San Osvaldo Orquesta, Siempre Tango, and Reyes del Tango.
“Marco Bellini, singer”
Original painting by Karin Lüders, 2026
Format 90 x 120 cm, oil on linen
Exhibitions – Effect in Space
Here, the large-format paintings can unfold their spatial impact: an exhibition of the "Tango Heroes" series at Tango Maldito, Munich. Guests: tango dancers from near and far, as well as other art enthusiasts. Live music by Sebastian Kramer. Thanks to the organizers and all participants! Further exhibitions are planned for tango halls in Buenos Aires, Berlin, and elsewhere.
Vita: From graphic design to free tango art
Karin Lüders was born in Pittsburgh, USA, and spent her youth in North Rhine-Westphalia and Upper Bavaria. She attended high school in Bad Tölz and, after graduating, moved to Munich to study communication design at the University of Applied Sciences for Design. After graduating, she began working with fellow students in their shared graphic design studio. Once Karin had gained sufficient professional experience, she founded the advertising agency Lüders & Baran with artist Michael Baran, which operated in the fields of culture, publishing, merchandising, and film production.
In 1999, the couple also founded "Don't Tell Mama eV," a non-profit association for the promotion of the arts. This association helped realize numerous projects, such as theater and music productions, exhibitions, and film projects, on a donation basis. Among them was the independent feature film "Holy Spirit," which received numerous awards at film festivals and for which Karin served as co-producer.
In recent years, Karin increasingly desired to work as a freelance artist and returned to the original motivation for her design career – drawing and painting. Since 2009, she has primarily painted portraits in oil on canvas, developing her own photorealistic style with great attention to detail. She first encountered Tango Argentino in 2005 and has dedicated herself to this dance, its music, and culture ever since. Since 2016, she has regularly traveled to Buenos Aires, where she found the perfect motifs for her tango art: contemporary singers and imaginative murals.
The “Tango Heroes” and their portraits
The singers with their paintings: Eliana Sosa in Munich/Nymphenburg Palace (original painting), Marisol Martinez in Munich/Wirtshaus im Schlachthof (original painting), Ximena Gimenez in Buenos Aires/CITA (Giclée print on canvas), Javier Di Ciriaco in Buenos Aires (Giclée print on canvas), Jesús Hidalgo in Buenos Aires/Café de los Angelitos (Giclée print on canvas), El Chino Laborde in Buenos Aires (Giclée print on canvas/stretcher frame), Inés Cuello in Buenos Aires/Casa Ezeiza (Giclée print on canvas), Juan Villarreal in Buenos Aires/El Beso (Giclée print on canvas).
Tango Art Live – further exhibitions
BERLIN, at Tango Dancing Makes You Beautiful, September to December 2025
BUENOS AIRES, Atroden Club, February 28, 2026 until further notice. (Photos to follow!)