Hélio Oiticica

Spatial Relief (red) REL 036

1959

Artist
Hélio Oiticica 1937–1980
Original title
Relevo espacial (vermêlho) REL 036
Medium
Polyvinyl acetate resin on plywood
Dimensions
Object: 625 × 1480 × 153 mm, 15 kg
Collection
Tate
Acquisition
Purchased with assistance from the American Fund for the Tate Gallery, Tate Members and the Art Fund 2008
Reference
T12763

Display caption

Oiticica suspended this work from the ceiling so that viewers would have to walk around it. He wanted us to become active participants in the work. Only by walking around it can you see the difference in colour and shapes on both sides. It is painted in two very similar colours, chosen for their reaction to light. Oiticica was influenced by the ordered abstraction of artists such as Piet Mondrian and Kazimir Malevich, whose work is also on display in this room. But Oiticica introduced elements of movement and change, emphasising the bodily experience of his work.

Gallery label, August 2019

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