Artist
Born in Santiago, Chile
The Architect of Motion: The Life and Legacy of Matilde Pérez Cerda
Matilde Pérez Cerda was not merely a painter or a sculptor; she was a visionary who sought to capture the very essence of movement within the stillness of art. Born in Santiago, Chile, in 1916, her journey began in an era where the boundaries of visual expression were being radically redrawn. Her early years at the Universidad de Chile placed her under the guidance of masters such as Pablo Burchard and Jorge Caballero, providing her with a rigorous foundation in classical technique. Yet, even within these traditional frameworks, the seeds of rebellion were being sown. Influenced by the intellectual currents of Surrealism and Constructivism, Pérez Cerda developed an early conviction that art should transcend the boundaries of mere representation, striving instead to evoke the intangible—the flicker of light, the pulse of energy, and the ephemeral nature of perception.
As her artistic identity matured, so did her appetite for experimentation. Her marriage to Gustavo Carrasco Délano fostered a creative environment that supported her growing ambitions, but it was her departure for Paris in 1960 that would irrevocably alter the trajectory of her career. In the vibrant, intellectual ferment of post-war France, she encountered the burgeoning movement of kinetic art and found herself profoundly moved by the work of Victor Vasarely. This encounter acted as a catalyst, propelling her away from static forms and toward a radical reimagative approach to space and sight. She began to investigate how abstract shapes and strategic uses of color could manipulate the human eye, creating the illusion of virtual movement and depth where none physically existed.
A Symphony of Optical Illusion and Kinetic Form
The true brilliance of Pérez Cerda’s work lies in her ability to turn the viewer into an active participant in the artistic experience. Her mastery of optical illusions allowed her to create works that seemed to breathe, vibrate, or shift as one moved around them. This fascination with the interplay between light, color, and geometry led to some of her most iconic contributions to public art. One cannot discuss her legacy without mentioning the Túnel Cinético (Kinetic Tunnel), created in 1970, a piece that exemplifies her ability to transform architectural space into a sensory journey. Similarly, her work el Friso, originally commissioned for the Apumanque Mall in 1982 and now housed at the University of Talca, stands as a testament to her skill in integrating large-scale kinetic concepts into the fabric of daily life.
Her technical repertoire was as diverse as her conceptual ambitions. While many artists remained tethered to the canvas, Pérez Cerda embraced sculpture and installation, treating space itself as a medium to be sculpted. Her investigations were deeply rooted in the science of perception, exploring how the brain interprets visual stimuli to create a sense of rhythm and dynamism. Through her meticulous use of contrast and geometric precision, she achieved a state of "virtual movement," where the artwork exists in a constant state of flux, dependent entirely on the perspective and engagement of the observer.
A Lasting Impression on Chilean Modernism
Beyond her individual technical achievements, Matilde Pérez Cerda holds a position of profound historical significance as a pioneer who brought the avant-garde language of kineticism to Chile. By bridging the gap between South American traditions and European modernism, she helped to expand the horizons of her nation's artistic landscape. Her role as a co-founder of the Grupo de los cinco (Group of Five) in 1953 further underscores her commitment to collective progress and the modernization of Chilean art.
Her career, spanning several decades and encompassing more than fifty international exhibitions, serves as a bridge between the classical past and the experimental future. Even in her later years, her dedication to exploring the frontiers of visual perception remained undiminished. Today, her legacy is preserved not just in museums like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, but in the very way we perceive movement within art. She taught us that art is not a static object to be observed from a distance, but a living, breathing dialogue between the creator, the medium, and the eye of the beholder.
Museum
On show in Buenos Aires, Argentina
A Window into Argentine Abstract Expressionism: Exploring MACBA’s Legacy
Buenos Aires' Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) stands as a testament to Argentina’s artistic evolution, born from the ambitious vision of the Aldo Rubino Foundation and anchored in the historic San Telmo neighborhood. Established in 2012, MACBA isn’t merely a repository of artworks; it’s an immersive experience designed to illuminate the profound influence of geometric abstraction and Latin American heritage on Argentine art history. Its accessibility through Google Arts & Culture further expands its reach, fostering dialogue and appreciation for contemporary artistic endeavors globally.
Collection Highlights:
MACBA's core strength resides in its dedication to showcasing groundbreaking movements like geometric abstraction and neoconcretism. Visitors can delve into the captivating works of Raúl Lozza, Julio Le Parc, Victor Vasarely, and Enio Iommi—artists who bravely embraced radical experimentation during their respective eras.
Latin American Masterpieces:
The museum’s collection transcends national boundaries, presenting a rich panorama of Latin American artistic traditions. From vibrant canvases to sculptural installations, each piece narrates a story of cultural identity and artistic innovation.
The architectural design by Vila Sebastián skillfully blends modern aesthetics with San Telmo's storied past. The building’s façade reflects the spirit of contemporary design while honoring its surroundings—a thoughtful consideration that underscores MACBA’s commitment to preserving both artistic heritage and urban context.
Founded upon the extensive private collection amassed by Aldo Rubino since the 1980s, MACBA emerged from a deep passion for safeguarding and promoting international contemporary art. This foundation's unwavering dedication fueled the creation of this dynamic cultural space—a place where artists and audiences alike can engage in stimulating conversations about artistic expression.
Beyond the Canvas: The Aldo Rubino Foundation’s Vision
MACBA distinguishes itself as a museum built around an extraordinary private collection, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the philanthropic spirit of its benefactor. This singular approach allows for a nuanced understanding of how personal passion can catalyze cultural enrichment and inspire artistic innovation.
A Digital Gateway to Argentine Art
Since 2020, MACBA has partnered with Google Arts & Culture, transforming its collection into an interactive digital experience accessible worldwide. Explore breathtaking images, detailed artist biographies, and immersive virtual tours—a remarkable feat of artistic preservation and outreach.
Furthermore, consider the evocative imagery captured in Sara Facio’s “Untitled,” a documentary-style photograph reflecting Buenos Aires' urban pulse. Or marvel at Phillip King’s sculpture at Hakone Open-Air Museum – an embodiment of abstract expressionism harmoniously integrated with nature. And don’t miss Grete Coppola’s “Sueño N° 7,” showcasing the enduring power of artistic vision.
