Íntegro celebrates 40 years of independent and experimental art in Peru.

The celebration of 40 years of the Íntegro group, under the slogan "Tensioning the Present/Weaving the Future," is a tangible showcase of independent and experimental art in Peru. Over four decades, this collective has challenged artistic conventions, presenting proposals that transcend traditional boundaries and, at their core, seek to connect with the audience in a profound and sensory way. Founded in 1984 by painter Óscar Naters and artist Ana Zavala, Íntegro has been a pioneer in integrating various artistic disciplines. From its beginnings, Naters proposed a different perspective on art, bringing his painting into a realm where sound, movement, and other sensory stimuli intertwine. "Our installations appeal to the sensory, not only in images but also in sounds, smells, tastes, and textures," explains Naters, emphasizing the uniqueness of their approach. Throughout its trajectory, the group has maintained a commitment to social critique. Their projects not only reflect Peruvian reality but also address globally relevant issues, such as environmental care and cultural dynamics. This interest in experimentation and creative freedom has allowed Íntegro to build a legacy that transcends generations and contexts, establishing itself as a benchmark for independent art in the region. The challenge of creating art in a hostile environment for creativity is a recurring theme in conversations with Naters and Zavala. "As an independent group, we row with great difficulty in Peru," notes Naters, highlighting the limitations they face in a country where support for culture is often scarce. The need to adapt and take on multiple roles—where the costume designer becomes a dancer and the dancer becomes a producer—is a constant that reflects the reality of art in the country. Despite budget limitations, the quality of their work has been recognized in over 40 countries, where they have left an indelible mark on international festivals. This success is measured not only in terms of performances but also in the creation of bonds with other artists and in the inspiration their work has generated in new generations of Peruvian creators. On the occasion of their anniversary, Íntegro has decided to review their trajectory, a process that Zavala compares to a "surgical operation." This reflection will allow them to select the most representative pieces of their work, merging the old with the contemporary while offering the audience a renewed experience. "We are weaving the relevant pieces together and assembling this work like a poem for the audience," mentions Zavala, underscoring the importance of this review not only as a commemorative act but also as an exercise in artistic reflection. This look back at the past also invites artists from the first generation of Íntegro to participate, strengthening the ties between those who have been part of this journey. Cohesion and exchange between generations are central elements in the group's philosophy, which sees collaboration as a way to enrich their proposal. The project not only celebrates the history of Íntegro but also delves into Peru's cultural and social evolution. Through their art, the collective explores how changes in society are reflected in contemporary compositions, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. In a context marked by constant transformation, Íntegro refuses to conform to conventions, choosing instead independence and authenticity as their main guides. Íntegro's proposal occupies a space where the massification of entertainment has no place. "In Peru, you never know when the next exhibition might be the last," they warn, revealing the fragility of their existence in the current artistic landscape. This uncertainty, far from discouraging them, becomes a source of motivation to continue creating with freedom and experimentation. As this commemoration of 40 years comes to a close, Íntegro's legacy is reaffirmed as a bastion of independent art in Latin America. Their story is not only that of a group that has remained steadfast in the face of adversity but also of a vision that continues to inspire new generations to dream and create in a world that often seems indifferent to authentic and committed art. Ultimately, the celebration of their anniversary is a reminder that creative freedom is a conquest that deserves to be celebrated and defended.