5/6/2007
Helio Oiticica
Tate Modern, London
The Body of Colour. Oiticica produced a remarkable body of work throughout his career, from abstract compositions to early environmental installations, in which he continually sought to challenge the way in which art could be experienced. Featuring more than 150 works, the exhibition includes several key series from 1955 onwards, some of which have not been seen publicly for more than thirty years.
The Body of Colour
Hélio Oiticica (1937–80) was one of the most innovative Brazilian artists of his generation and has come to be acknowledged as a significant figure in the development of contemporary art. Among his achievements was the original and uncompromising use of colour that was central to his practice, and thisis the first large-scale exhibition focusing on this key element in his work. Featuring more than 150 works, the exhibition includes several key series from 1955 onwards, some of which have not been seen publicly for more than thirty years.
Oiticica produced a remarkable body of work throughout his career, from abstract compositions to early environmental installations, in which he continually sought to challenge the way in which art could be experienced. This exhibition features works from Oiticica’s early career which show an obvious affinity with masters of modernism such as Paul Klee, Kasimir Malevich and Piet Mondrian, and yet already reveal a highly individual approach.
Gradually colour is liberated from the picture plane and given spatial form in further series of works, which include suspended paintings and reliefs, sculptural objects, penetrable environments and ‘habitable paintings’ - capes, tents and banners designed to be worn or inhabited while moving to the rhythm of samba.
The Fight
A Boxing, Music and Dance Performance
Led by Humberto Vélez
Saturday 21 July 2007, 19.00–21.00
A boxing, dance and music performance created in collaboration with three boxing clubs from Southwark: Fitzroy Lodge ABC, Fisher Downside ABC and Lynn ABC. The programme will include five amateur fights featuring especially composed music by Mc Mic Assassin and a choreography created by the street dance company Flawless.Members of the boxing clubs will arrive from the Millennium Bridge and the river Thames as two simultaneous processions which will gather outside Tate Modern before entering the building to perform on the bridge over the Turbine Hall.The performance The Fight will be the culmination of a series of multidisciplinary workshops conducted by Panamanian UK-based artist Humberto Vélez throughout the past months.
Tate Modern Turbine Hall Bridge
Free, no booking necessary
For all ages
Image: Hélio Oiticica, Grand Nucleus 1960–6, courtesy César and Claudio Oiticica Collection, Rio de Janeiro © Projeto Hélio Oiticica, Rio de Janeiro
Tate Modern
Bankside - London
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 10.00–18.00. Friday and Saturday, 10.00–22.00. Last admission into exhibitions 17.15 (Friday and Saturday 21.15).