Spatial Relief (red) REL 036 1959

Helio Oiticica produced this ‘Spatial Relief’ in Brazil. The artwork is not just an image, but an object occupying real space. Oiticica wanted to break down the traditional separation between the artwork and the viewer, inviting interaction and participation. The painted geometric forms, suspended in the air, challenge the conventions of painting and sculpture. Brazil, during the mid-20th century, was a place of rapid industrialization and social change and artists sought new ways to engage with contemporary life. Oiticica's work reflects a desire to move beyond the confines of the gallery and to create art that was integrated into the everyday experience. He was part of a generation who were thinking critically about the role of art institutions, seeking a more direct and democratic relationship with the public. By studying the writings of the artist and the history of Brazilian art and politics, we can better appreciate the social and cultural significance of this work.