One of the things I really like about Argentina is this type of "magical realist" artist- that is, truly wacky, but talented artists, who follow their own roads.
There is a long history of them here- perhaps some of them found old Europe too stifling- I dont know-
But many of the most interesting art and architecture is from similar artists, who were a bit outside the Academy.
The architect Mario Palanti, who built the Palacio Barolo, and the matching Palacio Salvo in Montevideo, for example.
Or the incomparable art deco architect, Francisco Salamone, who, in 4 short years, built tens of amazing structures throughout Buenos Aires province-
http://picasaweb.google.com/pabloabruno/SalamoneIIJul07#
There is an interesting Salamone in Recoleta, right on Alvear across from the Hotel, which has a Louis Vuitton store in the ground floor-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chenick/4165381838/
its like a rectalinear ocean liner.
Artists like Xul Solar are another example- if you havent been inside his Escher like home, now a museum, you should go.
Or even modern artists like Carlos Raggazoni- who is building his own world down in an old train shed behind Retiro Station-
http://www.regazzoniarts.com/
In each case, they share with BSP an almost messianic belief in their art, and its power to change the world.