Ernesto Neto


Ernesto Saboia de Albuquerque Neto is a contemporary visual artist.

Early career

Ernesto Neto began exhibiting in Scotland in 1988 and has had solo exhibitions abroad since 1995. He represented with Vik Muniz their country in 2001 Venice Biennale, his installations were featured in Brazil's national pavilion and in the international group exhibition at the Arsenale.

Style

Neto's work has been described as "beyond abstract minimalism". His installations are large, soft, biomorphic sculptures that fill an exhibition space that viewers can touch, poke, and walk on or through. They are made of white, stretchy material—amorphous forms stuffed with Styrofoam pellets or, on occasion, aromatic spices. In some installations, he has also used this material to create translucent scrims that transform the space's walls and floor. His sculptures can be regarded as expression of traditional abstract form, but in their interaction with the viewer, they work on another level as well.

Exhibitions

One of his most acclaimed installation is at the Panthéon in Paris called Léviathan Thot.
In 2009 Neto exhibited a new work at New York's Park Avenue Armory called anthropodino. Filling the hall, the aim is to help the Armory reposition itself as a big-art destination like the Turbine Hall in London's Tate Modern.
In 2010 he exhibited a popular display at London's Hayward Gallery called 'Edges of the World'.
In 2012 they exhibited "The tongue of Ernesto" at the College of San Ildefonso, Mexico
In 2015 Icastica Arezzo Italy
Neto has been awarded chevalier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
In 2017, Neto exhibited at the Venice Biennale in the Arsenale.