The exemplary Brazilian artist Lygia Clark’s first major public gallery presentation in the UK, “The I and the You,” is a ground-breaking exhibition hosted by Whitechapel Gallery, London. This showcase offers insight into Clark’s influential artistic journey during Brazil’s turbulent mid-1950s to early 1970s period. Clark, a fundamental figure in the Brazilian Neo-concrete movement, alongside other renowned artists, pushed for innovative artistic expressions beyond the restrictions of ‘concrete art’.
The I and the You exhibition uncovers how Clark’s early formal experimentation and burgeoning interest in the philosophy of experience and art’s therapeutic potential led to a gradual fusion of the artwork and the viewer. It illuminates her commitment to forging a tangible connection between the object, viewer, the internal and the external world.
Visitors begin their journey through a series of paintings, studies, and works on paper, revealing her intuitive approach to composition. A selection of Clark’s Bichos, ingenious works consisting of geometric shapes joined by hinges, further demonstrates her creative genius. These, along with other participatory works, were designed to be manipulated by the viewer, emphasizing Clark’s dedication to interactive, participatory art.
As visitors progress through the exhibition, they’ll notice Clark’s evolution, as her work increasingly emphasizes embodied experience over the object’s symbolic status during the 1960s. Her unconventional materials like plastic bags, glue, stones, and fruits challenge viewers to approach her art with an explorative mind.
“The I and the You” concludes with a showcase of Clark’s participatory group works developed during her time in Paris following the May 1968 protests. In this revolutionary spirit, she sought to explore group dynamics and challenge the boundaries of art. These works are activated through a series of performances every Saturday throughout the exhibition run.
In addition to the exhibition, the gallery will also host public talks, walks, and participatory events to further contextualize Lygia Clark’s work and practice, promising a comprehensive understanding of her artistic journey.
“The I and the You” is a testament to Lygia Clark’s innovative and participatory art practice which continues to inspire artists and audiences alike despite decades passing since her pioneering work first emerged.