Ernesto Neto's Lycra Sculptures: Cosmic Wombs and Sensory Voyages
Ernesto Neto, a Brazilian artist born in 1964 in Rio de Janeiro, crafts immersive sculptures utilizing lycra, sand, and spices, employing a counterweight mechanism. His 'Naves' series encourages viewers to embark on personal explorations. Following exhibitions in Cologne and Santiago de Compostela in the fall of 2001, his works will be showcased at Kunsthalle Basel from January 16 to March 10, 2002, and at Galerie Yvon Lambert in Paris from January 26 to March 2, 2002. Neto's art, associated with Brazilian Neo-Concretism, delves into the interplay between microcosm and macrocosm, incorporating genital imagery and astrophysical references. He wed Lili on December 16, 2000, within a 'Nave' at the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Rio de Janeiro; their son, Lito, reflects both parents' names.
Key facts
- Ernesto Neto was born in 1964 in Rio de Janeiro, where he lives and works.
- His sculptures use lycra, sand, and spices with a simple counterweight system.
- Exhibition at Kunsthalle Basel from January 16 to March 10, 2002.
- First solo show in France at Galerie Yvon Lambert, Paris, from January 26 to March 2, 2002.
- Earlier shows in fall 2001 at CGAC Santiago de Compostela and Kölnischer Kunstverein Cologne.
- Neto's work references Brazilian Neo-Concretism (Lygia Clark, Hélio Oiticica) but is apolitical.
- The 'Naves' series features vaginal slits for entry and spice-filled ceilings resembling ovaries.
- Neto married Lili on December 16, 2000, inside a 'Nave' at Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Rio de Janeiro; their child Lito was born eight months later.
Entities
Artists
- Ernesto Neto
- Lygia Clark
- Hélio Oiticica
- Jesús Rafael Soto
- Gego
- Hieronymus Bosch
- Gustave Courbet
- Parménides
- Henry More
- Cyrano de Bergerac
Institutions
- CGAC
- Kölnischer Kunstverein
- Kunsthalle Basel
- Galerie Yvon Lambert
- Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
- Institute of Contemporary Arts London
- Site Santa Fe
- Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Carrillo Gil
- Bonakdar Jancou Gallery
- Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
- Biennale di Venezia
- Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Rio de Janeiro
- Galerie Camargo Vilaça
- Fundaçao Cultural do Distrito Federal
Locations
- Rio de Janeiro
- Brazil
- Santiago de Compostela
- Spain
- Cologne
- Germany
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Paris
- France
- Houston
- United States
- London
- United Kingdom
- Santa Fe
- Mexico City
- Mexico
- New York
- Helsinki
- Finland
- Venice
- Italy
- São Paulo
- Brasília
Sources
- artpress —