Norberto Cresta, the Argentinean painter presented by the 'Piccola Galleria' in Rio de Janeiro, shows two distinct phases of his production: the first is represented by the painting of signs or symbols, which is somewhat similar to certain works by Miró, and in which these signs and colour occupy a much more important place than matter. In the second, much more recent phase, Cresta is more concerned with the inherent richness of the material: it is the transparency and warmth of the character that creates his poetic world.

Based in Cordoba, an old cultural centre of Argentina, Cresta, by travelling and reading, kept up to date with the evolution of current painting. Filtered by his sensitivity as an artist, certain more direct influences were transformed - his last phase - into something much more personal, mature and profound. The almost figurative signs became ideas, the colour, previously almost crude, acquired refinement and greater significance.

Norberto Cresta has been a painter since he was very young, and he will go through other stages; but the solid foundations are already here, opening an infinite number of paths. Cresta is an example of the new generation of Argentinean artists - or rather American artists: restless, curious, with solid knowledge of their profession, seeking a personal and distinctive expression.