From the penitentiary to the art museum: representing former prison mates, ex-inmate does embroidery in installation art by Ernesto Neto

One of the members of the co-operative created by the Humanitas360 Institute at the Women’s Penitentiary II in Tremembé took part in the art exhibition by Ernesto Neto, which is currently at Pinacoteca of São Paulo. Geane Marinho, 36, who has been recently released from prison, made embroideries for the only installation art that was produced by the Rio de Janeiro-based artist exclusively for this exhibit, which brought together more than 60 pieces created by him in the past few decades.

The installation art, which is entitled “Cura Bra Cura Té,” is inspired by the indigenous group Huni Kuin from the northern state of Acre. On a central piece, which symbolizes a tree trunk, Geane embroidered three bands with the following phrases:

“Beloved African mother, gratitude, your wisdom among us
Beloved indigenous mother, gratitude, your wisdom among us
Dear father Europe, let us listen to our mothers”

Under those bands, there are scented pillows on top of a blue rug, inviting people to reflect and meditate. “This is a healing art piece,” said the artist at a press conference. Considered one of the most renowned Brazilian artists, Ernesto Neto, already had his work exhibited at the Biennial of Venice, at the Tate Gallery in London, at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid and at MoMa in New York.

“Ernesto Neto: Blow” will be available to the public until July 15th. The exhibit is open Wednesday to Monday, from 10 AM to 5:30 PM – visitors can stay until 6PM. The address of the Pinacoteca is Praça da Luz 2, São Paulo – SP.