Born in Havana, Cuba, Bruguera studied at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana and later at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She gained international prominence for her performance-based practice, which often challenges institutional authority and examines the complexities of political systems, migration, and censorship.

Her work utilizes a variety of media, including performance, video, and large-scale installations that require audience participation. She is recognized for creating immersive environments that force viewers to confront historical narratives and contemporary civic issues, often blurring the lines between the artist's role and the spectator's experience.

Currently based in the United States, Bruguera serves as the head of media and performance at Harvard University. Her work is held in the permanent collections of major global institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana.