HÉLIO OITICICA

Hélio Oiticica (1937-1980) became known in the late 50s and 60s for his colour and spatial works, as well as installation and performance works such as the penetrables and parangolés. After moving to New York from Rio de Janeiro in 1971, he began incorporating elements from film and theatre to create the environments that he dubbed quasi-cinemas. The quasi-cinemas demonstrate a reversal in the traditional roles between the spectator and the work of art. Rather than observe passively, the viewer is invited to participate in a multi-sensory and interactive experience, subverting the usual separation between art and life. With earlier installations, such as Tropic·lia (1967) and Eden (1969), Oticicaís investigation revolved around an exploration of the viewers participation of the work.