Freud and Latin America

Divan: Free Floating Attention Piece, Santiago Borja (2010)

“For the famous Maestro Prof. Dr. Sigmund Freud, in testimony of profound admiration and respect.“- A book dedication from Honorio Delgado to Sigmund Freud.

Psychoanalysis has often been considered a Eurocentric practice, with its origins in Freud’s former home of Vienna, Austria and its earliest schools formed in European centres such as Berlin, Budapest, London and Paris. But in the 21st-century, Latin America is home to some of the most important psychoanalytic centres in the world. Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, has the highest number of psychoanalysts per capita in the world. Why has this region embraced psychoanalysis so warmly? And how has Freudian theory influenced wider culture and society?

‘Vidas Ilustres’ comic book, Freud: El Mago de los Sueños, or The Wizard of Dreams (1963: Mexico)

Through personal letters, photographs, sculptures, books and marginalia, Freud and Latin America will investigate the roots of psychoanalysis in the region, namely Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru. It will uncover fascinating links between Freud’s life and Latin America. It will also profile some integral early figures for the dissemination of psychoanalysis, who are otherwise unknown in Europe, such as Peruvian philosopher, Honorio Delgado and Brazilian psychiatrist, Gastão Pereira da Silva. The exhibition will include artworks by Brazilian poet and woodcut artist Jose Borges, Mexican multimedia artist Santiago Borja, and surrealist photographer Grete Stern.

This exhibition will be in English, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.

There will be a programme of relevant public events, a thoughtful outreach programme working with local community groups, and a catalogue to support the exhibition. Research by Mariano Ben Plotkin and Mariano Ruperthuz Honorato for the co-authored book, Estimado Dr Freud: una cultura historia del psicoanálisis en América Latina (Edhasa, 2017) will provide the narrative that will guide this exhibition.

This exhibition is curated by Jamie Ruers.

EXTENDED RUN: Freud and Latin America will now be on display until Monday 9 September 2024

This exhibition has been supported by Arts Council England and Museum Development Fund.

Image: ‘El psicoanálisis le ayudará’ or ‘Psychoanalysis will help you’ in Idilio Magazine, 4 July 1950 Private Collection, Facundo de Zuviria

Freud and Latin America Press Coverage

Freud exhibition delves into a dramatic legacy in Latin America. “Psychoanalysis, particularly dream analysis, became woven into Latin American cultures.” – The Guardian

A human lamp and a turtle-headed lover – is this what female dreams look like? How German photographer Grete Stern exposed the fantasies of modern women to produce a landmark of surrealist art. – The Telegraph

Freud exhibition explores why there so many psychoanalysts in Latin America. A new exhibition will explore the huge impact Sigmund Freud had on Latin America. – Ham & High

Exhibition Uses Freud’s Letters and Books to Show Impact in Latin America. “In the 21st century, Latin America is home to some of the most important psychoanalytic centres in the world.” – Fine Books Magazine

Curator Jamie Ruers featured in The Big Interview. Jamie talks about the inspiration for ‘Freud and Latin America’. – Maxwell Museums

Museu Freud de Londres percorre laços do pai da psicanálise com a América Latina. Exposição mostra cartas pessoais, fotografias, livros, esculturas e objetos do acervo de antiguidades dos psicanalista – Folha de Pernambuco

Freud y Latinoamérica: la nueva exposición del Museo Freud en Londres. El museo Freud de Londresinauguró una exposición sobre el eco que tuvieron las ideas del padre del psicoanálisis en Latinoamérica. – ámbito

Events - Freud and Latin America

19 January – Estimado Dr Freud – In-house talk at the Freud Museum

11 March – Psychoanalysis and Brazil: Colonialism and Creativity – In house talk at the Freud Museum