Nelson Leirner

Nelson Leirner (São Paulo, 1932 - 2020) was a Brazilian intermedia artist known for his critical and irreverent approach to contemporary art.

Biography
Nelson Leirner spent part of his youth in the United States, from 1947 to 1952, where he studied textile engineering at the Lowell Technological Institute in Massachusetts, though he did not complete the course. Returning to Brazil in 1956, he studied painting with Joan Ponç and, in 1958, briefly attended the Atelier-Abstração of Flexor.

Artistic Career
In 1966, Leirner co-founded the Grupo Rex with Wesley Duke Lee, Geraldo de Barros, Carlos Fajardo, José Resende, and Frederico Nasser. The group was known for its innovative and provocative actions, culminating in the Exposição-Não-Exposição in 1967, where Leirner offered his works for free to the public. That same year, he stirred controversy by submitting a stuffed pig to the 4th Brasília Modern Art Salon, questioning the jury's criteria.

Leirner was a pioneer in using alternative supports such as billboards and creating multiples with canvas and zippers on chassis. In 1969, he closed his special room at the 10th São Paulo International Biennial for political reasons and declined an invitation for another in 1971. In the 1970s, his series of drawings and prints harshly criticized Brazil's political situation, especially the military regime. In 1974, his series "A Rebelião dos Animais" was awarded by the Associação Paulista dos Críticos de Arte (APCA).

Teaching and Influence
From 1977 to 1997, Leirner taught at the Fundação Armando Álvares Penteado (Faap) in São Paulo, influencing several generations of artists. In 1997, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he coordinated the basic course at the Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage (EAV/Parque Lage) until 1998.

Leirner is remembered for his rebellious spirit and for constantly challenging artistic and social conventions through his work.

Sources:
Photo: http://arteseanp.blogspot.com.br/2014/06/imagem-semanal-o-futebol-na-obra-de.html