Fernando de Szyszlo (1925-2017) was a key figure in the modernisation of Peruvian art. In an era dominated by indigenism, he introduced abstract art after his training in Europe and his contact with the avant-garde. His work articulated modernity and pre-Columbian symbolism, generating a rupture with tradition while at the same time entering a profound dialogue with it. His influence was decisive in the development of contemporary art in Latin America.

The exhibition is an invitation to reflect on the bibliographical and cultural imprint of one of the most influential personalities of the Latin American art scene.  Szyszlo, an integral visual artist, mastered multiple techniques and genres, but also stood out as a humanist in constant dialogue with literature, philosophy and the aesthetic ideas of his time.

The event also coincides with the twentieth anniversary of the creation of the Centro Cultural Inca Garcilaso, in whose inauguration in 2005 the remarkable master participated in an anthological exhibition of his work.

The curatorship, by Luis Eduardo Wuffarden and Ricardo Kusunoki, highlights the leading role of Fernando de Szyszlo in the debates on modernity, cultural policies and the global projection of Peruvian art.

CONVERSATORIUM

On Wednesday, 18 June at 12:30 p.m., after the opening of the biobibliographical exhibition, a discussion on “100 years of Szyszlo” will be held at the Inca Garcilaso Cultural Centre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Jr. Ucayali 391, Lima). The event will include the participation of Fernando Carvallo, Alonso Cueto – who were personal friends of the painter – and Vicente de Szyszlo, son of the great artist.

Fernando Carvallo studied philosophy at the Pontificia Universidad Católica-PUCP. He completed a Masters in Latin American Studies at the University of Berlin and a Masters in History at the University of Paris. He taught at the PUCP and at the University of Paris. He has represented Peru before the Executive Board of UNESCO.  He has been director of the Centro Cultural Inca Garcilaso (Inca Garcilaso Cultural Centre) and is currently a journalist at Radio Programas del Perú.

Alonso Cueto studied literature at the Pontificia Universidad Católica-PUCP and received his PhD from the University of Texas, Austin. He has published several novels and received several important distinctions such as the German “Anna Seghers” for his work, the Herralde Prize, the Guggenheim Foundation grant for writers in 2002, among others. He is a full member of the Peruvian Academy of Language and a university professor.

Vicente de Szyszlo studied architecture at the Universidad Ricardo Palma. He has a degree in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and specialised studies at the University of Medellín, Colombia. He has taught at the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas-UPC and at the Universidad Privada del Norte-UPN. He practices his profession at the firm SZ+R Arquitectos.