Biography
GRIMANESA AMORÓS is a Peruvian-born American multimedia creative whose work explores community connections intersecting history, technology, and architecture. Her keen understanding of structure enables her to create monumental sculptures incorporating lighting and custom-made electronic components to create immersive environments and connect the viewer to their surroundings. Technology compliments the concepts of her work without defining it—a medium of expression.
She derives inspiration from cultural legacies, with a central theme revolving around the concept of time. Amorós’s artwork challenge individual understanding of time, capturing a moment where viewers engage in the pursuit of questioning and challenging their initial grasp of the piece’s conceptual formation.
Describing her work as a “constant romance with the unknown”, Amorós first incorporated light into her practice following a fated trip to Iceland. While there, she saw the northern lights and realized the powerful ephemeral magic light held. She discusses light’s ability to transcend social and geographic boundaries “we all connect to light.”
Drawing upon critical cultural legacies and landscapes, Amorós is inspired by the communities she creates within. Installing and programming each piece on-site, direct interaction with the surrounding architecture is key to creating her work. “Ultimately, the piece connects the viewers, space, and light sculpture, merging them into one.” Grimanesa Amorós’ artwork ties the past, present, and future — pushing viewers to think beyond and challenging their initial perceptions.
Jane Farver writes, “A joyful and generous spirit, Amorós views her art as a gift to others.” Amorós has showcased her work extensively in the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. She was a featured speaker at TED Global, a recipient of NEA Visual Arts Grants Fellowships, and is distinguished as part of the ‘Art In Embassies Program of the U.S.’ and a Civita Institute NE Chapter Fellowship Grant holder. Her art has graced the walls of numerous prestigious museums, including the Ludwig Museum, CAFA Museum, Katonah Museum, and Seoul National University Museum of Art.
