Yin-Yang 1992

Victor Bonato’s Yin-Yang sculpture uses contrasting light and dark materials to explore balance. The very title of the work invites us to consider Eastern philosophies and traditions. Bonato was an active participant in the thriving Brazilian art scene of the late 20th century, a period of intense political and social change. Brazil, like many countries in the global south, was grappling with its colonial past and searching for ways to assert a unique cultural identity. The choice of the Yin-Yang symbol, deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, might be interpreted as a challenge to Western cultural dominance, while its sleek, minimalist design aligns with contemporary trends in sculpture. As an art historian, I might look at exhibition catalogs, critical reviews, and artist statements from this time. These resources could tell us more about how Bonato positioned himself in relation to artistic institutions, and how this sculpture reflects Brazil’s evolving cultural landscape. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.