Brazilian-born artist Ernesto Neto is currently showing his first solo exhibition in Finland at Helsinki’s Kiasma, comprising work from a seven-year span. His newest piece, influenced by Huni Kuin, the indigenous people of Brazil and Peru, combines the participatory elements of traditional Brazilian modernism with large-scale craft.
Neto’s work is often set as a proposition against the speed of the modern world, returning its viewer to a sense of harmony that is inspired in part by the natural world. His new work takes its structure from the head of a boa constrictor; a complex web of crochet, weaving, knitting and tapestry which forms a map of soft, biomorphic forms. A mix of solid primary colours and flatter tones give Neto’s all-fabric sculptures a vibrant feel that harks back to a 60s and 70s aesthetic, and also reflects his study of Huni Kuin rituals and crafts.
Over the duration of the exhibition, there will be three performance nights on the fifth floor, which employ sound and dance to lure a ‘meditative’ state from the audience. The performances have been created by sound designer Tuomas Norvio, with a different musical artist performing each night, and, one would presume, will serve to expand the elements of social interaction which this show explores.
‘Ernesto Neto’ will be showing at Kiasma until 4 September. ‘Ritual Space’ events will take place at 6pm on 18 March, 8 and 15 April
