This comprehensive publication on the Peruvian artist, Teresa Burga (b. Iquitos, Peru, 1935) provides an overview of her work from the 1960s to the present day—from her landmark installations, Autorretrato. Estructura. Informe. 9.6.72 (Self-Portrait. Structure. Report. 9.6.72, 1972) and, Perfil de la Mujer Peruana (Profile of the Peruvian Woman, 1980–1981), to her latest series of drawings.

Burga’s many-faceted oeuvre encompasses paintings and environments in the vein of Pop art, as well as conceptual drawings and cybernetic installations. This broad range of media, formal means, and aesthetic idioms goes hand in hand with a resolute thematic focus: Burga’s works are highly detailed protocols of the social realities of their time.

With often playful precision, she highlights connections between causes and effects to draw attention to the individual’s ability to influence social conditions. As a female exponent of Latin American art, Burga was often ahead of her time. Only in the past few years have the local as well as international art scenes begun to pay closer attention to her work—a trend this publication aims to reinforce.

Intertwined with specially commissioned essays by art historians and curators, this volume reflects on Burga’s artistic strategies and themes throughout her career as well as on the historical background of her artistic practice.

Co-published with the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst, Zurich on the occasion of the retrospective exhibition at the museum, 16 May – 12 Aug 2018.

English and German text.