Spanish Artist Perla Zúñiga Dies of Cancer at Age 27

Multidisciplinary artist Perla Zúñiga aka JOVENDELAPERLA was known for creating safe spaces for trans and nonbinary people in Spanish nightlife.

Madrid poet, DJ and visual artist Perla Zúñiga aka JOVENDELAPERLA died at the age of 27 on Sunday following a long battle with cancer.

Spanish festival Sónar Barcelona paid tribute to Zúñiga in an Instagram post. “Yesterday we lost JOVENDELAPERLA,” it reads. “DJ, poet, artist, founder of the collective and club night CULPA, MARICAS resident and more, Perla Zúñiga was an essential part of our scene, who endlessly fought to create safe spaces in nightlife for trans and non-binary people. Following a years long battle with cancer, JOVENLAPERLA has left us.“

According to EL PAÍS, Zúñiga was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in 2016, when she was only 19. The rare form of bone cancer would persist in spite of chemotherapy treatments, and she was public about how it had affected her quality of life.

In addition to her work in nightlife as a DJ, promoter, and label boss, Perla Zúñiga was known for her trans activism and visual artistry. CNTXT reports that last month, she had started a monthly series of art installations collectively called Backstage alongside fellow artist Elsa Estrella. The two only completed one installation, “Imaginar hospitales” (which translates to “imagining hospitals” before Zúñiga passed away.

“Perla was a magical person,” wrote Estrella in an Instagram post. “It’s really difficult to explain how extraordinary, and to understand what growing up with such a special person does to one, but among all of it i think she has taught me and everyone who has been with her all these years what love is: a whole world. One of fantasy, care and freedom. As it should be. She brings me closer to life, everyday.”

We here at EDM Identity express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Perla Zúñiga during what can only be a difficult time.