Corpus delicti

Artist

Jacqueline Leirner

Born in São Paulo, Brazil

The Alchemy of the Mundane

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Jacqueline Leirner has carved a singular path in the contemporary art world by finding profound beauty within the discarded and the everyday. Growing up as the daughter of Adolpho and Fulvia Leirner, prominent collectors of modern and contemporary art, she was immersed in a rich cultural dialogue from her earliest years. This foundational exposure to significant works helped shape an artistic vision that does not seek to escape reality, but rather to interrogate it through the lens of accumulation and materiality. After studying visual arts at Fundação Armando Alvarenga Penteado, where she graduated in 1984, Leirner began to develop a practice that would eventually challenge the boundaries between art and life.

Her creative evolution is marked by a transition from drawing and painting toward complex installations and sculptures. This shift was driven by a desire to explore the tonal values of objects within a physical space and the narratives created by their arrangement. Leirner’s work is deeply rooted in the legacy of Brazilian Constructivism, as well as the influential movements of Arte Povera and Minimalism. By utilizing ephemeral materials, she creates a bridge between the high art of institutions and the raw, unpolished fragments of human existence.

Materiality and Memory

Leirner is perhaps most renowned for her ability to transform mundane objects and ephemera into captivating sculptural forms. Her practice involves a meticulous gathering of detritus—items that are often overlooked or deemed valueless by society. Through her hands, devalued bank notes, used envelopes, promotional tickets, empty cigarette packs, and plastic shopping bags are elevated into works of significant aesthetic power. This process of assemblage allows her to highlight the inherent form, color, and beauty of each object, forcing a refocusing of the viewer's gaze upon the banality of the everyday.

In pieces such as Corpus Delicti, created in 1993, she utilizes items salvaged from the world of travel, including air-sickness bags and flight pillows. These materials serve as a meditation on accumulation and the fragments of modern life, acting as a quiet interrogation of our relationship with possessions and memory. Her work often reflects the tumultuous economic history of her home country, such as the use of cruzeiros—the devalued Brazilian currency—to explore themes of hyperinflation and identity. In doing so, she transforms the weight of economic instability into a tactile, visual experience.

A Legacy of Accumulation

The significance of Leirner’s work lies in its ability to act as a document of both personal and institutional history. Her installation Names (Museums) serves as a visual record of art world dissemination, utilizing a collage of museum exhibition labels and promotional materials to engage with the pervasive influence of institutions on cultural discourse. This documentary aesthetic rejects traditional artistic conventions in favor of an exploration of how information is archived and spread.

Throughout her career, Leirner has been frequently compared to monumental figures such as Marcel Duchamp, Cildo Meireles, and Tunga. Her ability to organize materials in unusually complex ways enables a profound exploration of the following elements:

The Beauty of the Banal: Finding aesthetic value in mass-produced and discarded items.

Institutional Critique: Using archival fragments to examine the role of museums in shaping culture.

Economic Reflection: Utilizing devalued currency to mirror historical and social shifts.

Tactile Experience: Creating textured, layered works that invite intimate contemplation through their physical presence.

By weaving together the threads of personal experience and global phenomena, Jacqueline Leirner continues to create a body of work that is as much about the act of collecting as it is about the objects themselves, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary Brazilian art.

Museum

Culturgest - Fundação Caixa Geral de Depósitos

On show in Lisbon, Portugal

A Beacon of Contemporary Creation: Culturgest – Lisbon’s Vibrant Heart

Nestled within the historic heart of Lisbon, Culturgest isn't merely a museum; it’s an immersive ecosystem where artistic boundaries dissolve and creative energy pulsates with an undeniable vitality. Founded by Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) in 1983, this institution has evolved far beyond its initial purpose as a repository for art, blossoming into a dynamic cultural hub that champions the breadth of contemporary expression – from the dramatic power of performing arts and the poignant resonance of music to the thought-provoking narratives woven within visual installations and the captivating world of cinema. Culturgest stands as a testament to Portugal’s commitment to artistic enrichment, fostering an environment of experimentation, dialogue, and ultimately, inspiration that extends far beyond its Portuguese borders.

The story of Culturgest is inextricably linked to the vision of Caixa Geral de Depósitos – a legacy rooted in a belief that cultural investment isn't simply philanthropic; it’s fundamental to societal progress. Initially conceived as a platform for showcasing emerging Portuguese artists, the collection quickly expanded its scope, embracing not only national talent but also significant works from Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and Cape Verde, reflecting a deliberate commitment to celebrating Lusophone creativity in all its diverse forms. Today, boasting approximately 1,800 pieces – encompassing painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, and engraving – the collection is a rich tapestry of artistic voices, meticulously curated and presented within a space designed to nurture both appreciation and critical engagement.

Architectural Harmony: A Space Designed for Dialogue

While precise details regarding the building’s initial architectural design remain somewhat understated in publicly available information, it's understood that Culturgest’s structure represents a deliberate and thoughtful response to the artistic environment within. Rather than functioning solely as a container for art, the building is conceived as an integral component of the entire experience – a space designed with seamless functionality and a profound understanding of its urban context. The understated elegance of the architecture allows the artwork itself to take center stage, fostering a harmonious dialogue between form and content; it’s a place that feels both invitingly accessible and profoundly inspiring, encouraging visitors to engage deeply with the art on display and the performances unfolding within its walls.

The building's design embodies a spirit of openness and inclusivity, mirroring Culturgest’s broader commitment to fostering diverse voices and perspectives. It’s a space that actively seeks to break down traditional barriers between disciplines, creating an environment where visual arts, music, theatre, and film can converge and enrich one another. The careful consideration given to light, acoustics, and spatial flow contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere of Culturgest, ensuring that every encounter with art is both memorable and meaningful.

A Multifaceted Program: Beyond the Static Exhibition

What truly distinguishes Culturgest from conventional museums is its remarkably diverse program – a commitment extending far beyond traditional static exhibitions. The institution’s calendar is consistently brimming with a vibrant array of events, showcasing the breadth of artistic expression in all its forms. Regular theatre productions, captivating dance performances, and live music concerts provide audiences with unforgettable experiences, pushing the boundaries of artistic innovation. Furthermore, Culturgest hosts film festivals, screenings of independent films, and retrospectives celebrating cinematic masterpieces – catering to a wide range of tastes and interests.

Notable artists frequently showcased at Culturgest include Luísa Correia Pereira, whose evocative paintings often explore themes of identity and memory; Júlia Ventura, known for her poignant photography that delves into the complexities of sensuality and representation; and Fernando Alvim, a powerful contemporary African artist who blends traditional motifs with modern techniques to address issues of social justice. These are just a few examples of the diverse voices celebrated within Culturgest’s walls – a testament to its dedication to showcasing both established masters and emerging talents.

A Legacy of Lusophone Creativity

Culturgest's commitment extends beyond simply displaying art; it actively champions the study, promotion, and curation of its holdings. The collection’s focus on Portuguese artistry, alongside significant works from Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and Cape Verde, underscores a deliberate effort to preserve and celebrate Lusophone creativity – a legacy that continues to evolve through ongoing exhibitions, research initiatives, and community engagement. The institution's dedication to fostering dialogue between artists and audiences ensures that Culturgest remains a vital force in the cultural landscape of Lisbon and beyond.