Rivane Neuenschwander Confronts Fear, Violence, and Colonial Legacy in New York Exhibition
Rivane Neuenschwander's exhibit titled 'Trópicos Malditos, Gozosos e Devotos' concluded at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery in New York on October 24. The showcase delved into themes of fear, sexual violence, and conflict. Over a span of four years, Neuenschwander explored childhood anxieties through workshops held at Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro and White Chapel in London, where children crafted protective capes. This exploration led to pieces such as 'À Espreita' and 'Fear of,' which connect individual fears to broader societal challenges. Another series draws inspiration from Hilda Hilst, intertwining sexual and historical narratives of Brazil's tumultuous colonial history. Collaborating with artisans, Neuenschwander produced tapestries using a method developed by Ernesto Aroztegui. The exhibition emphasizes representation as a means to reduce vulnerability, referencing Jean-Luc Godard's 'Les Carabiniers.' A subsequent show at Auroras in São Paulo further developed this concept.
Key facts
- Rivane Neuenschwander's exhibition 'Trópicos Malditos, Gozosos e Devotos' was on view at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery in New York until October 24.
- The exhibition focused on three central themes: fear, sexual violence, and war.
- Neuenschwander conducted workshops with children at Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro and White Chapel in London to explore childhood fears.
- Works like 'À Espreita' and 'Fear of' derive from material collected with children, addressing societal fears.
- The artist references cycles of authoritarianism, connecting Brazil's military dictatorship to contemporary fascism.
- The series 'Trópicos Malditos, Gozosos e Devotos' references Hilda Hilst and draws from Japanese Shunga prints and cordel literature.
- Tapestries in the series were made in collaboration with artisans Elke Hülse, Magalí Sánchez Vera, and Jorge Soto using a technique by Ernesto Aroztegui.
- An installation references Jean-Luc Godard's film 'Les Carabiniers' to explore confronting fear through imagery.
Entities
Artists
- Rivane Neuenschwander
- Hilda Hilst
- Elke Hülse
- Magalí Sánchez Vera
- Jorge Soto
- Ernesto Aroztegui
- Jean-Luc Godard
Institutions
- Tanya Bonakdar Gallery
- Parque Lage
- White Chapel
- MASP
- Auroras
Locations
- New York
- Rio de Janeiro
- London
- Brazil
- São Paulo
- Uruguay