Born in Santiago, Chile, Alfredo Jaar trained as an architect before establishing himself as a multidisciplinary artist. His practice emerged in the 1980s, gaining international attention for his ability to blend architectural precision with photography and film to critique power structures and media representation.

His work frequently utilizes light, space, and text to engage with themes of displacement, war, and social inequality. Signature projects often involve public interventions, such as his electronic billboard works and ephemeral architectural structures, which challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable historical realities.

Jaar continues to be a prominent figure in contemporary art, recognized for his sustained commitment to ethical inquiry through visual media. His contributions to the field have been acknowledged with major international honors, including the prestigious Hasselblad Award.