Elda Cerrato, born in 1930 in Asti, Italy, and who passed away in February 2023 in Buenos Aires, experienced a life defined by significant transitions and migrations. In 1937, her father's forced exile led the family to establish their new home, initially in São Paulo and then, in 1940, in Buenos Aires.
During her time in Buenos Aires, Cerrato pursued a degree in biochemistry at the University of Buenos Aires while also exploring her artistic talents under the guidance of mentors like Oscar Capristo and Héctor Cartier. This dual pursuit laid the groundwork for her distinctive artistic perspective, where the worlds of science, esoterism and creativity intertwined.
In 1960, Cerrato and her life partner, experimental musician Luis Zubillaga, embarked on a transformative journey, moving to Caracas to live in community with Nathalie de Salzmann, the daughter of Jeanne de Salzmann and George Gurdjieff. There, they immersed themselves in the local artistic and literary community known as 'El Techo de la Ballena,' and it was during this time that Cerrato began to exhibit her work, marking the beginning of her artistic recognition."
In 1964, they returned to Argentina, and in 1975, Cerrato held a significant exhibition titled "De la Realidad. Relevamientos y Sueños" (On Reality: Surveys and Dreams) at the Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires. The subsequent years saw political turmoil in Argentina, prompting Cerrato and her family to once again seek refuge in Caracas.
Throughout her career, Cerrato presented 21 solo exhibitions both within Argentina and internationally. Her work was displayed in institutions such as the Museo de Bellas Artes de Caracas and the Museum of the Americas in Washington, USA. She also participated in over 150 group exhibitions worldwide, showcasing her talents across diverse artistic mediums.
Beyond her artwork, Cerrato was deeply involved in teaching, academic research, and interdisciplinary activities. She made substantial contributions to multiple universities and art schools, leaving a lasting impact on aspiring artists. Cerrato's influence extended beyond the art world as she served on academic and artistic panels, authored articles, created short films, and participated in radio programs. Her presence was felt on both national and international platforms through her active involvement in conferences and congresses.
Cerrato received recognition for her contributions to art, including the esteemed Premio Nacional a la Trayectoria Artística (National Award for Artistic Career) in Buenos Aires in 2019. In 2021, an anthological exhibition titled "El día maravilloso de los pueblos" was showcased at the Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires, reaffirming her enduring legacy.
In 2022, she was honoured with the Premio Velázquez de Artes Plásticas (Velázquez Award for Visual Arts) by the Ministerio de Cultura de España. Elda Cerrato's artworks are part of important private and institutional collections worldwide, including the Museo Reina Sofía (Madrid), Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Argentina), Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires, Museo de Bellas Artes de Caracas, Museo Tamayo (Mexico), and the Art Museum of the Americas (Washington), among others.
A selection of her works was featured in the recent edition of the São Paulo Elda Biennale, underscoring her enduring influence on the global art scene. Elda Cerrato's journey continues to inspire contemporary artists, leaving a significant mark on the world of art.