Nave Deusa

In this process, he renders a unique interpretation of the formal legacy of modernism, on the basis of an organic view of geometry. Neto has titled “Naves” the series of walk-in sculptural works that he conceived as “habitat bodies.” Built with planar surfaces formed of stretched fabric, the Naves at once function as wraps for the viewer and as sculptural objects for his/her scrutiny. These works hanging from the ceiling and laid on the floor of the exhibition venue create a new architecture within the preexisting architecture, yet one surrounded by a space for circulation. Nave deusa [Goddess nave, 1998] is one of the earliest sculptures of this series, and it combines important elements for the artist: the tension and gravity evinced in the “arms” and “hoofs” that prop up the work; the transparency of the material, which establishes relations between inside and outside; the holes and their sensual bodily allusions; the “drops” of spices that stir up the sense of smell; the “ovaloids” in its interior; and the careful use of sewing as construction technique.