Part of a generation of artists who expanded the principles of Brazilian Constructive art, Meireles often plays with geometry in his work. He structured this grid using a mathematical principle of growth known as “cascading bifurcations.” But his simple forms (here, and in the center of the room) suggest other, more local references. This “mesh” originated from the artist’s collaboration with fishermen who created nets from cotton thread. Made during Brazil’s military dictatorship, this work might be understood in terms of the tensions between freedom and imprisonment. The title evokes the openings or spaces of freedom that may remain available even within apparently unyielding structures.

Gallery label from

Chosen Memories, April 30–September 9, 2023

Provenance

2017, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, acquired as promised gift from Patricia Phelps de Cisneros.

Medium Iron and glass
Dimensions 47 1/4 x 48 1/4 x 1 1/2" (120 x 122.6 x 3.8 cm)
Credit Gift of Patricia Phelps de Cisneros through the Latin American and Caribbean Fund in honor of Paulo Herkenhoff
Object number 569.2017
Department Painting & Sculpture

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Cildo Meireles

Cildo Meireles

Brazilian, born 1948 14 works online

Any person walking the streets of Rio de Janeiro in 1970 could have been a participant in a work of art by the Brazilian artist Cildo Meireles.

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