At the core of Cildo Meireles' conceptual artistic practice is an interest in the functions of economic and political systems. Meireles forms part of the younger generation of Brazilian Neo-Concrete artists who were chiefly concerned with integrating spectator participation in the execution of their artworks, provoking the viewer's sensorial awareness.
In his seminal series, Insertion In Ideological Circuits 2: Banknote Project (1970), Meireles printed politically subversive messages on American and Brazilian banknotes and sent them into circulation. This vandalism forced viewers to confront the reality of their political and economic systems and question their role and participation within said systems. This one series is emblematic of his larger body of work, which continues to intrigue and confound viewers today.
1981 screenprint on paper 19 1/2 x 27 1/2 in. (49.5 x 69.9 cm.) Signed, numbered and dated "31/126 Cildo Meireles 1981" and dedicated, lower edge. This work is number 31 from an edition of 126.
Estimate $3,000 - 4,000
Sold for $1,250
Contact Specialist Henry Allsopp
Worldwide Director, Latin American Art latinamerica@phillips.com
+ 1 212 940 1216