Brazilian Art Takes London: Meireles Retrospective at Tate Modern, Neuenschwander at South London Gallery
In the fall of 2008, concurrent exhibitions by Brazilian artists Cildo Meireles and Rivane Neuenschwander were launched in London. Meireles' first retrospective in the UK at Tate Modern, running from 14 October 2008 to 11 January 2009, showcases his career since the 1970s, including pieces like Mission/Missions (How to Build Cathedrals) (1987) and a room infused with the scent of gas. His work examines how the environment influences viewers and interacts with indigenous cultures. Meanwhile, Neuenschwander's show at South London Gallery, from 3 October to 30 November 2008, shifts focus to the architecture of the space, featuring a wooden floor that separates the hall and her video Inventory of Small Deaths (blow) (2000) projected downstairs, devoid of her typical humor.
Key facts
- Cildo Meireles had his first UK retrospective at Tate Modern from 14 Oct 2008 to 11 Jan 2009.
- Rivane Neuenschwander exhibited at South London Gallery from 3 Oct to 30 Nov 2008.
- Meireles' work Mission/Missions (How to Build Cathedrals) (1987) features a pool of gold coins, a ceiling of bones, and a column of hosts.
- During the 1970s dictatorship, Meireles circulated stamped slogans on banknotes.
- Meireles describes his style as 'humiliminimalism'.
- Neuenschwander's exhibition focused on the architecture of the South London Gallery, including a wooden floor dividing the space and holes drilled in the wall.
- Her video Inventory of Small Deaths (blow) (2000) shows a bubble in a tropical landscape.
- The review notes the absence of Neuenschwander's usual humor in this exhibition.
Entities
Artists
- Rivane Neuenschwander
- Cildo Meireles
- Lawrence Weiner
- Hélio Oiticica
- Lygia Clark
Institutions
- South London Gallery
- Tate Modern
- art press
Locations
- Londres
- Grande-Bretagne
- São Paulo
- Brazil
Sources
- artpress —