Mariano Di Tella: The Chainsaw Artist Behind Political Change
Mariano ‘Tute’ Di Tella, a Buenos Aires mechanic, created a custom chainsaw for Elon Musk as part of President Javier Milei’s symbolic political reforms. Di Tella, who supports Milei’s initiatives, is now preparing a similar gift for Donald Trump. He maintains a complex relationship with politics, focusing on his art and the impact of economic changes on ordinary citizens.
Mariano ‘Tute’ Di Tella, a mechanic from Buenos Aires, delivered a custom-made chainsaw to the presidential palace, Casa Rosada. This chainsaw, crafted from aluminum and bronze, was intended as a gift from Argentine President Javier Milei to Elon Musk, notable for advocating reduced government intervention. Upon receipt, Musk described it as “the chainsaw of all bureaucracy.”
Di Tella, the creator of these symbolic chainsaws reflecting Milei’s radical political approach, expressed excitement over the recognition of his craft. He stated, “The chainsaw is an instrument of power that I made so that he can make a change and not just an economic change.” Currently, he is preparing a similar project for Donald Trump at the request of Milei’s spokesperson.
Despite supporting Milei’s initiative to revitalize Argentina’s economy, Di Tella does not identify with any specific political ideology. He credits his improved financial situation to taking on multiple jobs, earning approximately $1,800 a month, especially after facing stark reductions during the pandemic.
Even though Milei owns Di Tella’s chainsaw, the artist has not met the president personally. He believes that the connection through the chainsaw is more meaningful. As Di Tella stated, “I think it’s fantastic because what unites us are the machines.” He has faced increased living costs due to Milei’s economic strategies but remains committed to his art without seeking financial compensation for his creations.
While Di Tella supports economic reforms, he expresses concern regarding potential job losses attributed to Milei’s policies. He notes, “I wouldn’t like that, because of the chainsaw, there’s people who may have been left without a job.” Di Tella reminisces about his early affinity for chainsaws, inspired by both hands-on experience and cinematic influences, and views them as symbols of transformative change rather than violence.
Mariano Di Tella’s journey illustrates the intersection of art, politics, and personal circumstance in contemporary Argentina. Through his custom chainsaws, he embodies the spirit of change that President Milei represents. While Di Tella expresses pride and enthusiasm in his craft, he remains cautious about the broader economic implications of government reforms. His narrative underscores the complexity of individual experiences amidst national transformations.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
