This is the third issue of the publication Nervo Óptico. It shows works by Carlos Asp under the general title of “Projects to Recover the Internal Landscape: Self-Portrait on Live Elements.” One of these involves an installation with sketches of a compartmentalized structure in three places at the same time, laid out in contiguous sections separated by curtains. The descriptive notes (written by hand on the work) indicate that it must be executed as a wooden structure with curtains made of fabric. The other work shown consists of four full-body photographs of the artist, each one in the context of one of the four elements (earth, air, fire and water) with a circle representing signs of the zodiac superimposed on the set.

This work by the Brazilian artist Carlos Asp (b. 1949) shows the importance of the conceptual plan presented, setting forth the data and launching the debate stirred up by this new art paradigm in the local media of Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul). It also shows the radical thinking behind the installation or environment.

The publication was created in the form of a small plaque, printed on only one side of the sheet (32 cm x 22.05cm), with an average run of 2,000 copies. Circulated nationally and internationally, Nervo Óptico was sent out to a broad mailing of artists, journalists and art critics.

The content of Nervo Óptico was basically visual, reproducing works by the group or invited artists, almost all including the language of photography, whether as artwork in itself or as photographic documentation of performances. The publication created a space for debate about contemporary art events far from the values that prevailed in the art market and the demand for collectible objects. Nervo Óptico focused on conceptual art, thus creating its own instrument of legitimation.

All 13 issues of the Porto Alegre publication Nervo Óptico are available in the ICAA digital archive.

For a description of the works in the group’s first exhibition and other artists’ testimony on the semiotic intentions of its work, see “[Em manifestaçao realizada em dezembro último...]” by the Grupo N.O. [doc. no. 1110913]. In addition, regarding the group’s thinking about the artist’s role and creative potential beyond market conditions, see the document distributed during the exhibition entitled “Manifesto” [doc. no. 1110690]. The second issue of this Rio Grande do Sul journal presented work by Mara Álvares [doc. no. 1110914].