Íntegro celebrates 40 years of independent art and cultural resistance in Peru.

The celebration of the 40th anniversary of the artistic group Íntegro stands as a significant milestone within the Peruvian cultural landscape. Under the motto "Tensioning the Present/Weaving the Future," this commemoration is not only a tribute to their trajectory but also a reflection on the importance of independent and experimental creativity in a country where challenges are constant. La Tarumba, the venue chosen for this celebration, has announced the last three dates of its season in Lima, marking a significant closure for a year full of events. Since its founding in 1984, Íntegro has been a benchmark for independent art in Peru. Its multidisciplinary approach, encompassing painting, dance, theater, and music, has allowed the group not only to critique social reality but also to promote a space for collective reflection. Óscar Naters, one of the founders, expresses that their proposal seeks to engage all the senses of the audience: "our productions appeal to the sensory, not just in images, but also in sounds, smells, tastes, and textures," highlighting the complexity and commitment that Íntegro's work entails. Ana Zavala, another key figure in the history of Íntegro, complements this vision by pointing out that each project is built from scratch, without pre-established scripts. This experimental approach not only challenges the artists but also invites the audience on a experiential journey where ideas flow and intertwine in a constant dance. "What we do is authorial art," Zavala asserts, thus emphasizing the uniqueness of each proposal, a quality that has allowed the group to remain relevant over four decades. However, the reality of independent art in Peru is marked by difficulties. Naters does not hide that "we row with great difficulty," and that often their work relies on the will and joint effort of all involved. The scarcity of resources turns the creative process into a heroic act, where each team member takes on multiple roles to bring their proposals to life. The lack of funding has not been an obstacle for the group, which has managed to present its work in over 40 countries and gain recognition at international festivals. The celebration of the 40th anniversary, more than a simple recounting of achievements, is an opportunity for Íntegro to engage in introspection. During the festivities, the group's trajectory will be reviewed, and space will be given to artists from the first generation, thus recognizing the heritage and evolution that have characterized their journey. "This is like an operating room," Zavala comments, alluding to the need to evaluate and decide which elements of the past remain relevant in the present. This review process seeks not only to remember but also to analyze the social and cultural context of Peru in which they operate. Technological evolution and changes in cultural perception have influenced their approach and projects, and the group refuses to succumb to conventions that could compromise their artistic independence. In a world that easily surrenders to the commercial, Íntegro remains steadfast in its decision to be a non-mass collective, a trait that allows them to experiment and create without restrictions. Íntegro's proposal is, in many ways, an act of resistance. In a market filled with entertainment seeking immediate approval, the group chooses the path of authenticity, where every moment of creation is crucial. The instability of the Peruvian cultural landscape reminds them that each exhibition could be the last, which imbues their work with a special intensity, a commitment to the present. Ultimately, the commemoration of these 40 years is a call to the artistic community and the public to value independent art as an essential component of Peru's cultural identity. Íntegro's work has not only enriched the artistic environment but has also raised questions about the role of art in society, challenging new generations to follow the path of innovation and social critique. With this spirit, the last dates announced by La Tarumba will not only mark the closure of a season but will also be a testament to the perseverance and passion that characterize Íntegro. In celebrating 40 years of history, the group invites the public to join them in an experience that promises to be both a tribute to the past and an exploration of the future ahead. The story of Íntegro is the story of an unwavering commitment to creative freedom, a legacy that deserves to be remembered and celebrated in the coming decades.