Tunga (1952–2016), born Antônio José de Barros Carvalho e Mello Mourão in Palmares, Brazil, was a pioneering figure in contemporary Brazilian art, renowned for his multidisciplinary practice encompassing sculpture, installation, performance, and drawing. His work delved into themes of transformation, alchemy, and the subconscious, often utilizing unconventional materials such as iron chains, glass, magnets, and human hair to create immersive, symbolic environments. Notable works like Xifópagas Capilares entre Nós (1984) and True Rouge (1997) exemplify his exploration of duality, desire, and ritual. In 2005, Tunga became the first contemporary artist to exhibit at the Louvre Museum in Paris with his installation "À la Lumière des Deux Mondes" . His art has been showcased in major international exhibitions, including Documenta X and multiple editions of the Venice and São Paulo Biennales, and is held in esteemed collections such as MoMA in New York and Tate Modern in London. Instituto Inhotim in Brazil houses two permanent pavilions dedicated to his work, cementing his legacy as a transformative force in contemporary art.