Teresa
Margolles

Awardee

Country

Mexico

Teresa Margolles promotes free expression through her visual art.

Themes
Reexamining history
Free Expression / Civil Society
Disciplines
Visual Art
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2012

Profile

Teresa Margolles is a conceptual artist based in Mexico. She primarily explores themes of death, violence, and social injustice through her art. Margolles' work often involves materials collected from morgues and crime scenes, reflecting her early career as a forensic technician. This unique methodology underpins her commentary on the drug-related violence and systemic failures affecting her home country.Her impactful installations and performances, such as "¿De qué otra cosa podríamos hablar?" (What Else Could We Talk About?) showcased at major international venues like the Venice Biennale, thrust her into the global art scene's spotlight. Margolles confronts audiences with the harsh realities that newspaper headlines often numb, creating a visceral experience that compels societal reflection. Her exhibitions at institutions like the Tate Modern and the Centre Pompidou have further solidified her as a pivotal figure in contemporary art.