Marta Minujín conquers Copenhagen with “Intensify Life”
Marta Minujín lands at Copenhagen Contemporary with her first major exhibition in Europe.
From 11 October 2024 to 21 April 2025, Copenhagen Contemporary presents “Intensify Life”, the first major European exhibition by Marta Minujín, one of the most influential artists in contemporary Latin American art and a pioneer of Pop Art and Conceptual Art.
As we previously mentioned, the exhibition represents a true milestone both in the career of the Argentine artist and in the European art scene, offering a deep exploration of her creative universe — one characterised by radical experimentation, sensory immersion, and a spirit of constant renewal.
Marta Minujín: A lifetime devoted to intensifying life through art
Born in Buenos Aires in 1943, Marta Minujín has been a pioneer in the creation of happenings, performances, installations, and audiovisual works, always seeking to break down the barriers between art and life — leaving an indelible mark on generations of artists across Latin America, the United States, and Europe.
Throughout her career, she has exhibited at leading institutions such as MoMA in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and now, with her first major European retrospective, at Copenhagen Contemporary. Marta Minujín continues to create, challenge conventions, and champion a powerful idea: art should intensify life.
“I don’t create works to be remembered. I create works to intensify life.” Marta Minujín
Since the 1960s, she has been a key figure in the international avant-garde, crafting sensory experiences that invite the audience to participate actively and deepen their connection with the world.
The Director of Copenhagen Contemporary, Marie Laurberg, describes her work as follows: “Minujín is a true creative whirlwind. She has always been a visionary, developing a profoundly original practice based on her life’s motto: to intensify life. Experiencing her art should make us feel that everything is wilder, larger, more intense.”
“La Menesunda” and other immersive experiences
One of the highlights of “Intensify Life” is the recreation of La Menesunda, the revolutionary installation Minujín created in 1965 with artist Rubén Santantonín. This labyrinth of eleven imaginative rooms — featuring everything from a neon-lit street to a beauty salon where visitors can get makeup or massages — stands as one of the very first immersive works in art history.
Thanks to a collaboration between Copenhagen Contemporary, the Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires, Tate Liverpool, and KANAL – Centre Pompidou in Brussels, La Menesunda is now being exhibited in Europe for the first time, ahead of a major international tour.
Soft Gallery and Implosion!: Art as a total sensory experience
The exhibition also features key works like Soft Gallery (1973), a space filled with around 200 mattresses inviting visitors to interact physically with the artwork, and Implosion! (2021), an immersive video installation accompanied by music recomposed by renowned composer Philip Glass.
These works underline Minujín’s core philosophy: to break traditional barriers between art and audiences, encouraging an active, sensory-driven experience rather than passive contemplation.
A legacy still to be discovered in Europe
Despite her huge influence on contemporary art, Marta Minujín remains relatively unknown to European audiences. With “Intensify Life”, Copenhagen Contemporary aims to bridge that gap through a wide-ranging exhibition including archival materials, live performances, a new documentary film, and a comprehensive exhibition catalogue.
The exhibition also marks the beginning of Founding Figures, a new series by Copenhagen Contemporary dedicated to celebrating pioneering artists who have shaped contemporary art and deserve to be rediscovered by new generations.
A must-visit event in Copenhagen
“Intensify Life” will officially open on 10 October 2024 with a spectacular public event, including live DJ sets, performances, and special celebrations.
Through this groundbreaking exhibition, Marta Minujín not only arrives in Europe — she bursts onto the scene with all the creative force of a life devoted to making art an exuberant, free, and unforgettable celebration.
“Art is a shock to awaken the senses.” Marta Minujín
Highly recommended.
About Copenhagen Contemporary
Copenhagen Contemporary (CC) is one of the most dynamic contemporary art centres in Scandinavia. Located in the former shipyards of Refshaleøen, in Copenhagen, CC offers a unique space for large-scale exhibitions, immersive installations, and interdisciplinary projects that explore the intersections between art, technology, and contemporary culture. With an innovative approach and a spirit open to experimentation, Copenhagen Contemporary has established itself as an international platform for both emerging and established artists seeking to redefine the boundaries of contemporary art.
(*) Photos provided by Copenhagen Contemporary.
