Rocío Boliver
Rocío Boliver is a Mexican performance artist who creates body art about gender, sexuality, pain and pleasure.[1] In 1992, Boliver began her career as a performance artist reading her porno-erotic writings.[2] Boliver has a background in video and Mexican theatre. From 1994 to 2007 she worked in theatre projects, performance and contemporary art, collaborating with the playwright Juan José Gurrola .[3] Boliver has performed at a variety of venues such as museums, raves, universities, galleries, activist meetings and TV programs.[4] An underground cultural icon in Mexico, Boliver is part of a Goth-art scene, and has presented works at alternative forums such as the Sadomasochism National Festival.[5] Boliver's work has presented in North America, South America, Europe and Asia.[5]
Biography
[edit]Rocío Boliver was born in Mexico City in 1956.[6] Boliver studied dance and philosophy.[4] In 1992, Boliver began reading her porno-erotic texts, which focus on sexually repressive ideologies towards Mexican women.[3] From 1998 to 2008 Boliver collaborated with an electropanic music ensemble called Binaria, combining sound art and performance art.[4] Boliver studied performance art at the Tisch School for the Arts, New York University with Richard Schechner, and history of performance in Arts Plastiques du Cégep de l'Abitibi, Quebec, Canada.[6] In 2002, Boliver published her first book Saber Escoger.[7] Boliver contributes writings to alternative sexual magazines and regularly lectures.[4][5]
Career
[edit]Boliver is known for provocative and often controversial performances. Her work has been featured in prominent Mexican institutions such as the Ex Teresa Arte Actual (INBA) and Museo Experimental El Eco (UNAM).[6] Throughout her career, she has received several notable grants and fellowships, including:
2013: National System of Creators scholarship, FONCA-CONACULTA. 2010: Residency Fellowship at Ladines, Art Research Center, Government of the Principality of Asturias, Spain. 2008: Cultural and Joint Investment Project scholarship, FONCA-CONACULTA, for the retrospective exhibition Sweet Sixteen and Still Virgin.[5]
Boliver has also conducted workshops on performance art internationally, teaching in cities such as Lisbon, New York, Barcelona, and Mexico City.[5] Boliver teaches performance art workshops in Lisbon, New York, Barcelona and Mexico City.[6]
Allegations of Sexual Violence
[edit]Boliver's career has also been marked by serious allegations of sexual violence during public performances:
November 22, 2023: During the FAA Festival Arte/Acción, Boliver sexually assaulted fellow artist Xitlalli Treviño during a performance. Boliver publicly admitted to the assault in May 2025, claiming her interference "upgraded" the performance, an explanation widely criticized.[8]
2022: At the Homeography.Homeografía Festival in Belgium, Boliver physically and sexually assaulted an audience member by forcefully pulling the individual's hair and forcing her face towards Boliver's genital area, despite repeated verbal refusal. The event organizers immediately intervened and canceled the performance, citing violations of their policies regarding safe spaces and consent.[9]
These incidents have sparked widespread criticism and discussions about consent, ethics, and boundaries in performance art communities.
References
[edit]- ^ Broms, Gustaf; Cochrane, Shannon (2018). 9 Questions. Canada: FADO Performance Art Centre and Centre for Orgchaosmik Studies. p. 57. ISBN 978-0-9730883-4-2.
- ^ "Hemispheric Institute".
- ^ a b "Time Goes by and I Cannot Forget you: "Between Menopause and Old Age"". Grace Exhibition Space.
- ^ a b c d "Hemisphere Short Performance- Close Your Legs".
- ^ a b c d "International Performance Association".
- ^ a b c "Rocío Boliver". 3 January 2022.
- ^ Boliver, Rocío (2002). Saber escoger. ISBN 9789687966472.
- ^ "Rocío Boliver". 15 May 2025.
- ^ "Rocío Boliver". 5 May 2025.
8. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10161509040832654&set=a.355850312653
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