Ernesto Neto: Extravagant Installations

Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto returns to New York for the first time since 2012 to exhibit a solo collection of new works. Tanya Bonakdar Gallery presents an innovative series of Neto’s sculptural pieces across two floors of immersive exhibitions.

The artist is known for his extravagant installations and hand-woven fabric sculptures. His large-scale pieces fill gallery spaces with the intention to create an interactive element for his audience. Working with crochet and the combination of lightweight fabrics, rocks and spices, he creates pieces that invite gallery visitors to enjoy a sensory experience. Walking through the exhibition space, audiences are surrounded by art that they can touch, stimulating memories and individual reactions. Further to this, there is the opportunity to walk inside of the artworks, being part of a conversation between artist and voyeur.

Neto uses space to explore volume and gravity, creating installations that break down barriers between works and the general public – challenging traditional pre-conceived ideas on how art should be viewed. He does so through the use of colour, texture and scent, creating alluring collections that encourage viewer interaction.

Drawing inspiration from a variety of different sources, including Brazilian avant-garde movements and craft cultures, Neto has developed a unique style that is recognised worldwide and has become a great influence to many artists. Since 2014, he has been working with the Brazilian Amazon community, Huni Kuin, to create architectural installations. These sculptures celebrate the traditions and rituals of the Huni Kuins, combining nature and ecological issues with Neto’s signature geometric and biomorphic shapes. The result is a collection of works which take a journey of sensual exploration. The community’s culture is a frequent feature in the artist’s installations as his pieces often resemble symbolic social and political references, and elements that celebrate diversity.

The Serpent’s Energy Gave Birth to Humanity features selected works by Neto and showcase his signature style with a display of sculptural textile pieces. The aim of the exhibition, whilst celebrating his work, is to offer visitors a moment of escapism and allow them to take a step back from everyday life, to calm the mind, turn on their senses and emerge themselves in an interactive Brazilian Modernism experience.

Ernesto Neto: The Serpent’s Energy Gave Birth to Humanity, 29 October – 17 December, Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York.

For more information: www.tanyabonakdargallery.com

Credits:
1. Ernesto NETO Womboa, manaibupustu The tenderness of the boa lights our path (2016) cotton voile crochet, bamboostructure ,cotton voile knot carpet. Installation view at Kunsten Museum of Modern Art Aalborg, Denmark. Photo by Anders Sune Berg Courtesy the artist and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, NewYork