Joaquin Torres-Garcia

Joaquín Torres-García

["Painter", "Sculptor", "Art Theorist", "Founder of Universal Constructivism"]

Born Jul 28, 1874

Montevideo, Uruguay

Passed Away Aug 08, 1949 Montevideo, Uruguay

Lifespan 75 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Our North is the South. There must not be north for us, except in opposition to our South."

Archival Overview

Uruguayan-Spanish artist and theorist who founded Constructive Universalism and drew the iconic 'Inverted America' map, declaring South America's artistic sovereignty.

Biographical Record

After working with Antoni Gaudi on the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and participating in De Stijl and Cercle et Carre in Paris, Joaquin Torres-Garcia (1874–1949) returned to Montevideo in 1934 to establish an autonomous Latin American avant-garde.

He formulated Constructive Universalism, fusing geometric abstraction and golden ratios with pre-Columbian indigenous glyphs and symbols. In 1943, he published his famous ink drawing 'America Invertida' with the South Pole at the top, proclaiming: 'Our North is the South.'

Key Life Milestones

1934

Founding of the Torres-Garcia Workshop (TTG)

Established the influential constructivist studio in Montevideo training generations of South American artists.

1943

Drawing of 'Inverted America'

Created the seminal manifesto illustration declaring Latin America's cultural self-determination.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Central Cemetery of Montevideo
Montevideo, Uruguay

                         GPS: -34.9127, -56.1880                    

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