Cildo Meireles stands as one of the most significant figures in international contemporary art. His multifaceted practice explores participatory possibilities, pioneering some of Brazil's earliest installation experiments. Bridging sensory and cerebral experiences while shifting scales from minute to monumental, his work engages what he describes as "the physical, geometric, psychological, topographic, and anthropological."
Meireles has made unparalleled contributions to conceptual art in Brazil, though he rejects systematic methods—each project develops its own biography while sharing underlying connections. His immersive works, whether sculptural, installation-based, or pictorial, consistently demonstrate critical engagement with art's institutional frameworks.
After studying with Peruvian artist Félix Barrenechea in Brasília (1963), Meireles lived in New York (1971–1973). Represented by Galeria Luisa Strina since 1981, his solo exhibitions there have marked pivotal moments in his career, including Cildo Meireles – no reino da foda: 1964-1987 (2023), Pling Pling (2014), Glovetrotter (2010/2000), Descalas (2003), Camelô (1998), Metros I (1992), Campos de jogos (1989), Cinza (1986), Obscura luz (1983), and Artigos Definidos & Espaços Virtuais: Cantos (1981).
His work has been exhibited globally at the Venice Biennale (37th, 50th, 51st, 53rd editions), São Paulo Biennial (16th, 20th, 24th, 29th), Istanbul Biennial (6th, 8th), Lofoten International Art Festival, Lyon Biennale (11th, 14th), and Documenta (9th, 11th). In 2023, he received Europe's prestigious Roswitha Haftmann Prize, becoming the first Latin American honoree in 22 years. Other accolades include: O Globo's Faz Diferença Award (2019), ABCA Prize (2015), Velázquez Visual Arts Prize (2008), APCA Award (2007), honorary doctorate from the San Francisco Art Institute (2005), and France's Officier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2005).
Major solo exhibitions include retrospectives at Museo de Arte Miguel Urrutia, Bogotá (2020); SESC Pompéia, São Paulo (2019); Hangar Bicocca, Milan (2014); Reina Sofía, Madrid and Serralves Museum, Porto (2013–2014); Tate Modern, London (2008); and New Museum, New York (1999). Recent group shows feature at MoMA, New York (2023); MAM-Bahia, Salvador (2022); Fondation Carmignac, France (2019); and MASP, São Paulo (2017).
His works belong to leading collections worldwide: MoMA (New York), Tate (London), Inhotim (Brazil), 21st Century Museum (Kanazawa), Centre Pompidou (Paris), Reina Sofía (Madrid), LACMA (Los Angeles), Art Institute of Chicago, MASP, and MAM-SP/Rio, among others.