heleno bernardi scatters fetal-shaped mattresses in public spaces all over the world

brazilian visual artist heleno bernardi creates urban interventions occupying spaces with hundreds of mattresses shaped like bodies in fetal position. titled ‘while I speak, time flies’, the installations aim to favor conviviality in the public space and enable the emergence of exchanges and effective cultural and social reflection among the participants.

all images © heleno bernardi

bernardi’s work comprises hundreds of mattresses that are grouped and fit together, sheltering and welcoming the spectators, attracting them into a collective experience. since 2001, this installation has been presented in public spaces of more than 50 cities and 10 countries around the world, such as brazil, germany, usa, switzerland, england, portugal, thailand, australia, austria, and ireland.

for the artist, the participation and immersion of the public in the work is fundamental to establish an effective dialogue with the places. ‘the installation dialogues with the trajectory of brazilian artists who were pioneers in the development of relational art in the 1960’s, such as lygia clark and hélio oiticica, and contemporary artists like tunga and ernesto neto,’ explains bernardi.