Ernesto Neto is a Brazilian installation artist who creates large-scale biomorphic immersive environments. Neto is interested in the boundaries of social, public and personal space, physical awareness, and engaging the senses. He uses crocheting (a technique he learned from his grandmother) to create narrow passageways, hoping to evoke intimacy as well as interaction. He also creates structure with stretchy stocking-like material filled with styrofoam pellets. Neto's pendulous forms often contain pungent spices in an attempt to further evoke the senses. He does not care to layer his work with social or political subtexts; rather, he is interested in how physical experience can bring out commonalities among otherwise different people. His spaces are sometimes tricky to navigate and they can provide adults with sensations that they might otherwise not experience. They provide a space where one can stop thinking, a break that Neto believes is important and healthy, and instead focus on an increased awareness of the physical body.
Ernesto Neto is one of my favorite artists. I was first drawn to his work because I think that it is incredibly beautiful. I would love to have the chance to be inside one of his crocheted corridors or lounge in a giant pillowy mass. But the more I look at his work, the more important it seems to me. I also believe in the importance of quieting the mind and listening to the body. I think that as a society who does most of its work on paper or computers, it is easy to lose touch with the physical body. Perhaps this is a large factor in out nation's obesity plight. Little importance is put on physical activity for the average adult,
and most people live very sedentary lives. This is why I think that Neto's installations continue to be competing beyond their appearance. They give the viewer a chance to get in touch with their own physicality.
Ernesto Neto is one of my favorite artists. I was first drawn to his work because I think that it is incredibly beautiful. I would love to have the chance to be inside one of his crocheted corridors or lounge in a giant pillowy mass. But the more I look at his work, the more important it seems to me. I also believe in the importance of quieting the mind and listening to the body. I think that as a society who does most of its work on paper or computers, it is easy to lose touch with the physical body. Perhaps this is a large factor in out nation's obesity plight. Little importance is put on physical activity for the average adult,
Large scale art like this is so interesting because I don't typically think of art as large scale displays like these. Great commentary on his work, you seem to know a lot about this artist. I hope you get the chance to see his work in person one day! Great work all semester!
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