The artwork titled “Tropicália, Penetrables PN 2 ‘Purity is a myth’ and PN 3 ‘Imagetical'” by the artist Helio Oiticica, created between 1966 and 1967, is a prominent example of Conceptual Art within the installation genre. Displayed at Tate Modern in London, UK, this work explores themes central to the Tropicália movement, known for its fusion of cultural forms and critique of traditional artistic values.
The artwork comprises a multisensory environment that invites audience interaction, a hallmark of Oiticica’s work. It features enclosed structures with vibrant textiles and a variety of tropical plants, placed in pots around the installation. The presence of sand and gravel underfoot, coupled with the lush greenery, creates a naturalistic yet abstracted representation of a tropical habitat. The juxtaposition of a wire mesh enclosure and colorful fabric walls symbolizes the dichotomy between control and liberation. The immersive and participatory nature of this installation challenges viewers to reconsider preconceived notions of purity and reality within an artistic and socio-political context.
