Ernesto Neto
began exhibiting in scotland in 1988 and has had solo exhibitions abroad since
1995.
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.
- 1994, 1997
Escola de Artes Visuais Parque Lage, Rio de Janeiro
- 1994-96 Museu de Arte Moderna, Rio de Janeiro
One of his most
acclaimed installation is at the Panthéon in Paris
called LĂ©viathan Thot.
In 2009 Neto
exhibited a new work at New York's Park Avenue Armory
called anthropodino. Filling the 55,000-square-foot (5,100 m2)
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'.
Neto has been
awarded chevalier de L'Ordre des Arts
et des Lettres.