Solo exhibition by Narcélio Grud
Narcélio Grud (b.1976, Fortaleza, Brazil) is an emerging figure in contemporary sculpture whose studio practice focuses on sculpture, objects and works on paper that incorporate kinetic, sonic and interactive elements. His works explore the limitless plastic possibilities of steel and wood, often incorporating natural elements of light, wind and sound and are often also accompanied by an organic or spontaneous intervention that further enrich the possibilities of his concrete abstraction. Either by incorporating movement, sound or unusual plastic manipulation into sculptures made of materials traditionally seen as fixed or static, or by inviting the participation of the viewer, Grud’s work proposes new possibilities of connection with the world at large.
In Grud’s work, there finds a new and irreverent formalism - passed down from the Concrete and Neo-concrete movements that were so important in the evolution of contemporary Brazilian art – but brought vitally into the present moment by proposing abstraction as a force for transformation. His work often examines and provokes new perspectives of our current reality of climate change and the widespread degradation of nature – always in the spirit of hope, promise, improvisation and with a knowledge of the wild, limitless intelligence contained within us and within the materials and elements with which he works.
He has been the recipient of numerous art awards since 2007, and in recent years has had various major shows in Brazil and internationally, including at Museu de la Música Mexicana (DF, Mexico), The Museum of Image and Sound (Fortaleza, Brazil) and the Pinacoteca do Ceará (Fortaleza, Brazil). His work is included in various distinguished Brazilian public collections, including at Museu Niemeyer, Pinacoteca de Fortaleza, the state collections of Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, Rio das Ostras and Sobral, as well as the newly-inaugurated Parque das Esculturas (Espirito Santo, Brazil).
‘Anamorphysical’ presents new sculptural works that represent a new frontier in Grud’s practise. The title references this new frontier of distortion, extension or manipulation of materials; seeking the ephemeral in the midst of the intensely material. The artist will also present an intervention in the Kupfer garden and unique floating sculpture on the River Lea, which runs behind the Kupfer building.
We are honoured to present Narcélio Grud’s work to a UK audience at such a pivotal time in his career and at a time when his work demands a more international presence. This exhibition is part of the UK/Brazil Season of Culture 2025-26, supported by the British Council and Instituto Guimarães Rosa.
