Lot Essay
Julião Sarmento has developed a multi-media visual language, combining film, video, sound, painting, sculpture and installation. His work often deals with issues of complex interpersonal relationships in which themes such as psychological interaction, sensuality, voyeurism and transgression are utilized. Sarmento has exhibited extensively worldwide since 1979. He has been included in two Documentas (1982, 1987) and has represented Portugal in two Venice Biennials (1997, 2001). His most recent solo shows include Julião Sarmento - Works on paper: Women and Houses and Plants... Christopher Grimes Gallery, Santa Monica (2009); Notes Towards a Definition of Pleasure, Galería Pepe Cobo, Madrid (2008); Julião Sarmento, Cristina Guerra Contemporary Art, Lisboa (2008); Picture Show, Galeria Fortes Vilaa, São Paulo (2007); and Julião Sarmento: Withholding Works 1994-2006, Fundación Marcelino Botín, Santander (2006). His work is represented in public and private collections worldwide such as The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C.; the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Museé National d'Art Moderne Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; the Stedelijk Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven; and the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo.