Esther Ferrer

Esther Ferrer Ruiz (born 1937) is a Spanish artist, primarily known for her performances and photography. She was born in Barcelona, and has lived and worked in Paris since the late 1960s. She has been a major figure in the post-war avant-garde performance and happenings movement in Europe. In her work, Ferrer often uses her body as a medium in which to explore themes of identity, gender, and memory. She is known for her performances in which she uses everyday objects and materials that are often seen as mundane and ordinary. She also often uses photography to document her performances, creating a visual diary of her work. Besides her performance art, Ferrer has also exhibited her photography, sculptures, and objects in various solo and group exhibitions. In 2020, she was the subject of her first major retrospective, Escribir Todos Sus Nombres, at the PalaisPopulaire in Berlin, Germany. Her work has been presented in major international exhibitions, including Documenta 11 in 2002, and the Venice Biennale in 2003. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Premio Nacional de Artes Plá