Humanóides, 2001

Photo: Courtesy of Galeria Fortes Vilaça, São Paulo / Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York
Collection

Polyamide fabric , styrofoam pellets and herbs
Dimensions variable


Ernesto Neto's work reflects the participatory trend amongst Brazilian artists during the 1960s and 70s that is frequently associated with Lygia Clark and Hélio Oiticica. Neto's morbid sculptures and installations consist of elastic nylon or polyamide fabric, stitched into various organic shapes, which unfold in a womblike fashion around the spectator.
Ernesto Neto comments that his sculptures suggest "fertility, sexuality, touching, and kissing", as well as atmospheric associations that arise out of the particular spatial presence and detailed texture of the surfaces.
Humanóides are sculptures filled with Styrofoam balls that allude to the figure of the human body. The visitor is invited to wear and explore them as implements for sitting or bodily extensions. There are male and female versions, which include primary sexual organs.


*1964 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Living and working in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil