On this day, September 7th, 1822, Brazil gained its independence from Portugal. Commemorating this historical landmark, we at Abir Pothi have compiled a list of 11 Brazillian artists you should know about:
1. Tarsila Do Amaral
Brazilian-born Tarsila do Amaral, studied in Paris and was influenced by Cubism. She was inspired by Modern Art Week when she returned to her native country. Her classic work “Abaporu” inspired the “Manifesto of Anthropophagy,” which represents Brazil’s contemporary identity. Later, she converted to Marxism and created politically charged artwork under Vargas. She had a lasting impact on several generations of Brazilian artists, particularly the Tropicália movement and figures like Lygia Clark and Hélio Oiticica.
Courtesy: Abaporu
2. Candido Portinari
Brazilian artist Candido Portinari, who was born in 1903, rose from modest beginnings to achieve fame. He returned to Brazil in 1931 to paint the people and difficulties of his native country in brilliant colours after attending art school in Rio and living in Paris. Portinari joined the Communist Party and eventually ran for public office because his artwork had social implications. His accomplishments brought the country pride to the world, and his masterwork “War and Peace” is still a powerful portrayal of the human condition that combines tragedy and poetry.
Courtesy: ArtNexus
3. Romero Britto
Romero Britto, a self-taught Brazilian artist born in 1963, blends Pop Art with Cubist abstraction, creating colorful illustrations and figurines. His work is accessible and has commercial success, with public installations worldwide. He resides in Miami, FL, and owns the Britto Central Gallery.
Courtesy: Artnet
4. Beatriz Milhazes
Beatriz Milhazes, a Brazilian artist born in 1960, creates vibrant abstract paintings influenced by indigenous Brazilian and European Modernist design. Her works are kaleidoscopic and inspired by artists like Matisse and Kandinsky. She initially pursued journalism before focusing on fine art. Her pieces are in major art collections worldwide.
Courtesy: The Brooklyn Rail
5. Helio Oiticica
Hélio Oiticica’s art was participatory and inclusive, engaging diverse audiences and raising awareness of social issues. His influence resonates in contemporary socially engaged art by artists like Theaster Gates and Tania Bruguera, who collaborate with people, addressing societal concerns. Oiticica’s legacy prioritizes people as central to art.
Courtesy: Khan Academy
6. Aleijadinho
Aleijadinho, born in 1738 in Brazil, was a prolific and influential Rococo sculptor and architect despite suffering from a degenerative disease that deformed his limbs. His notable works include the Church of São Francisco de Assis and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, known for its intricate sculptures.
Courtesy: Atlas Obscura
7. Christina Oiticica
Christina Oiticica, a Brazilian artist living in Geneva, explores a unique approach to art by collaborating with nature. She leaves her paintings in various natural settings worldwide, allowing environmental elements to leave their mark, resulting in surprising and delightful outcomes.
Courtesy: contemporary art-weebly
8. Vik Muniz
Vik Muniz, a renowned Brazilian artist, uses diverse materials like chocolate and trash to recreate famous art and pop culture scenes, exploring memory and image perception. He’s a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and exhibited internationally, residing in Brooklyn and Rio de Janeiro.
Courtesy: PBS
9. Alfredo Volpi
Alfredo Volpi, a prominent Brazilian modern artist, evolved from landscapes to stylized geometric compositions influenced by Concretism. His iconic “facades” paintings from the 1940s showcase his unique blend of popular and erudite art, vivid colors, and artisanal approach, resisting automation while pursuing an original trajectory.
Courtesy: Art Basel
10. Lygia Clark
Lygia Clark, a Brazilian artist, played a pivotal role in transforming art into an interactive experience, moving away from conventional geometric abstraction. She explored the relationship between viewers and art through evolving methods, including her “bugs” sculptures and participatory propositions. Her empathetic approach blurred the boundaries between art and life, ultimately prioritizing the viewer’s experience.
Courtesy: MoMA
11. Athos Bulcão
Athos Bulcão, a Brazilian artist, found his artistic expression in tile art. He collaborated with architect Oscar Niemeyer, using tiles as a modular, industrial-scale composition, contributing significantly to the city’s architectural renewal and integrated art.
Courtesy: Disparada
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