Ernesto Neto – The Edges of the World
The Ernesto Neto exhibition is taking place at Hayward Gallery as part of the Brazil Festival in South Bank, London. I recently went there with two friends, both artists themselves. I was told that Ernesto Neto had a new interactive installation exhibition and so we planned a day out in London.
The exhibition has two parts; the first part is called ‘The New Decor’ which is collaboration of contemporary artist’s work of interior design. The artists take everyday objects such as tables and chairs that you would find in stores such as Dot Maison, and re-invent their design and structure to create provocative sculptures and installations.
The New Decor has eight rooms and is on a split level with stairs to walk up onto the upper floor. As you enter the exhibition you immediately are faced with a huge great hanging chandelier with spider-like arms made out of arms and legs of chairs in an elaborate stance. The exhibition has sculptures that are provocative and slightly disturbing which brings an undertone of discomfort. Walking up the stairs there is a Chinese sculpture made from household objects and materials in the form of a person. The disproportionate face and body parts gives an air of disturbance reflecting the artists view on society. My favourite pieces were a mattress covered entirely in buttons which were sown on and a clock which had various emotions and mood states written instead of numbers.
Moving on to the second part of the exhibition, Ernesto Neto, was much more interactive and uplifting. The Edges of the World occupies the entire upper three floors of the Hayward Gallery, including three outdoor sculptures. Climbing the stairs and entering the space, you are immersed inside what feels like an abstract human body. Stretching above your head and around the sides of the room is a stretched membrane-like material in green, yellow, red and purple. You can climb wooden frames and peep through purpose-cut holes to view the upper space of the exhibition which feels like the border between skin and cells; it is most odd yet intriguing. The tunnels of membranes wind round throughout the exhibition with little pockets to explore as you go. There is a chance to take your shoes off and walk on the delicate stretched fabric and even sit on a comfy stool to take in the structures around you. A feeling of relaxation and serenity comes over you as you gently touch the soft fabric and smell the pockets of lavender potpourri. Outside on one terrace there is a paddling pool which you are free to take a dip in; don’t worry swimsuits and changing rooms are provided. Even the changing rooms are purpose-built to fit in with the exhibition style. All round it was a great day and I would definitely recommend this exhibition as a must-see this summer.
Comments are closed!