The Oscar Niemeyer Museum expands its open-air program with a new interactive work by avaf, the artistic collective known as assume vivid astro focus. Unveiled as part of the MON sem Paredes Arte ao Ar Livre initiative, the piece titled Afenufu vivalulu amulufu fufulufu reinforces the artist’s longstanding commitment to sensory immersion, play, and participatory environments.
Rather than functioning as a static sculpture, the work operates as a hybrid structure that merges visual language with physical engagement. Incorporating elements such as a slide and swings, avaf transforms the sculptural object into a dynamic, living space. The piece reflects the collective’s signature aesthetic, characterized by vibrant color, rhythmic forms, and an embrace of joy as a critical artistic strategy. Children and adults alike are invited to interact with the work, dissolving the boundary between viewer and artwork.
avaf, founded by Eli Sudbrack, has built an international reputation through installations that challenge traditional exhibition formats. Their practice often integrates architecture, design, and performance, creating environments that prioritize inclusivity and direct experience. In Afenufu vivalulu amulufu fufulufu, this approach is evident in the way the artwork encourages movement, exploration, and collective use, positioning play as both an artistic medium and a social connector. The outdoor setting amplifies the conceptual framework of the project, where art is not confined by walls but integrated into daily experience. Visitors are invited to explore the installation through an interactive art hunt across the surrounding gardens, creating a guided yet open-ended encounter that emphasizes discovery and participation.
With this new commission, avaf continues to explore the intersection of art, environment, and participation, offering a work that is as much about collective experience as it is about form. The installation stands as a vivid example of how contemporary sculpture can move beyond contemplation into active, shared engagement.
