Centenary of the Brazilian Modernist Art Week
Considered the historical landmark of modernism in Brazil, the celebration of the event will definitely be memorable: an extensive list of exhibitions, shows, plays and other artistic and cultural manifestations are being held throughout the country.
The traditional interpretations of the Week usually highlight a certain protagonism of the city of São Paulo, its artists and its urbanization process, as the great agents of the modern age in Brazil. However, 100 years later, artists and theorists are not necessarily interested in revisiting the founding myth of Brazilian modernism in a celebratory mood. Today, it is mainly important to expand the debates and discuss the contradictions of Brazilian Modernism as a hegemonic movement from São Paulo and its assumed progressive character.
"Everything that shines is not always gold"...
There is no doubt that modernism has left an important legacy: freedom of research and experimentation in all segments of the arts, the concept of anthropophagy and the great visibility achieved by the Brazilian artists and their works. But "everything that shines is not always going to be gold" when the impact of the Week is reassessed: the "modernist consciousness" was read as a synonym of progress (to be achieved at any cost). Cultural appropriation, environmental devastation, exclusionary urban policies and racism are some of the reflections that Brazilian society deals with to this day. Like every other prestigious avant-garde art movement, Brazilian Modernism is rooted in its polemics. Therefore, it's the perfect time to check some of the events that are popping up, whether they're the ones that celebrate or the ones that question the centennial. This is also the best moment in a long time to get to know the many modernist artists from Brazil who, so far, have not been recognized, despite their unique productions.
There is no doubt that modernism has left an important legacy: freedom of research and experimentation in all segments of the arts, the concept of anthropophagy and the great visibility achieved by the Brazilian artists and their works. But "everything that shines is not always going to be gold" when the impact of the Week is reassessed: the "modernist consciousness" was read as a synonym of progress (to be achieved at any cost). Cultural appropriation, environmental devastation, exclusionary urban policies and racism are some of the reflections that Brazilian society deals with to this day. Like every other prestigious avant-garde art movement, Brazilian Modernism is rooted in its polemics. Therefore, it's the perfect time to check some of the events that are popping up, whether they're the ones that celebrate or the ones that question the centennial. This is also the best moment in a long time to get to know the many modernist artists from Brazil who, so far, have not been recognized, despite their unique productions.
Anita Malfatti. Grupo dos Cinco, 1922. (Tarsila do Amaral, Mário de Andrade with Anita at the piano, Oswald de Andrade e Menotti del Picchia, on the carpet) © Valor
Speaking of which...
Considered one of the great artists of the first generation of modernists in Bahia (northeastern Brazilian state), Raimundo de Oliveira (1930 - 1966) holds a great and unique production. However, he is still not well known by the general public. Most of the analyses elaborated around his work highlight the influence of his devotion to Christian principles. They also address psychological aspects, his relationship with the local culture and its modern elements. It's difficult not to be hypnotized by the strong expressionist and spiritual appeal of this artist's paintings. He worked based on conscious choices developed through formal and conceptual studies: his works are complex narratives.
Considered one of the great artists of the first generation of modernists in Bahia (northeastern Brazilian state), Raimundo de Oliveira (1930 - 1966) holds a great and unique production. However, he is still not well known by the general public. Most of the analyses elaborated around his work highlight the influence of his devotion to Christian principles. They also address psychological aspects, his relationship with the local culture and its modern elements. It's difficult not to be hypnotized by the strong expressionist and spiritual appeal of this artist's paintings. He worked based on conscious choices developed through formal and conceptual studies: his works are complex narratives.
Raimundo de Oliveira, Sem título (Paraíso), 1963. Oil on canvas © Coleção Ivani e Jorge Yunes
Raimundo de Oliveira's work "Untitled (Paradise)", 1963, is part of the Ivani and Jorge Yunes Collection and can be seen at the exhibition "Raio-que-o-parta: fictions of the modern in Brazil". The show investigates the countless modernist initiatives in Brazil beyond the 1920s, presenting pieces from the late 19th century to the second half of the 20th century. Aiming to reflect the plurality of Brazilian modernisms, the curatorship was done in many hands. Aldrin Figueiredo, Clarissa Diniz, Divino Sobral, Marcelo Campos and Paula Ramos are part of the curatorial team. It's also signed by Fernanda Pitta as curatorial advisor and by the assistant curators from Breno Faria, Ludimilla Fonseca and Renato Menezes. Raphael Fonseca is the chief curator of the exhibition, which can be visited at Sesc 24 de maio (downtown São Paulo), from February until August 2022.
Check out other cultural events:
BANCO DO BRASIL CULTURAL CENTER IN SÃO PAULO: After passing through Rio last year, the exhibition "Brasilidade postmodernism", curated by Tereza de Arruda, continues on display until March 7th. Presenting the legacy of the movement from the 1960s, the exhibition showcases works by artists such as Beatriz Milhazes, Jaider Esbell and Ge Viana.
BANCO DO BRASIL CULTURAL CENTER IN SÃO PAULO: After passing through Rio last year, the exhibition "Brasilidade postmodernism", curated by Tereza de Arruda, continues on display until March 7th. Presenting the legacy of the movement from the 1960s, the exhibition showcases works by artists such as Beatriz Milhazes, Jaider Esbell and Ge Viana.
Atualizações Traumáticas de Debret, 2019-2021, Ge Viana © Press office CCBB SP.
CASA MODERNISTA: The space is, in fact, the first house in São Paulo built based on modernist architecture concepts. Later on, it was transformed into a museum. The exhibition "Buffoni, drawings for modernity” highlights the work of the Italian painter, graphic designer and muralist Bramante Buffoni, who lived in Brazil between 1946 and 1956. On display until April 24th
Exhibition view at Casa Modernista "Buffoni, desenhos para a modernidade" © Agenda Tarsila
FLUP: The 11th edition of the Literary Festival of the Suburbs will celebrate the centenary of black modernism at the Rio Art Museum (MAR) and at the Museum of Afro-Brazilian History and Culture (Muhcab), between February 11th and 18th.
© Divulgação Flup, 2019
MUSEU AFRO BRASIL: Beginning on the date of Mário de Andrade's death (Feb. 25th), “Esse Extraordinário Mário de Andrade” aims to focus the issue of the Week on the author. Until June 30th.
Mário de Andrade (in glasses), with Portinari, Antonio Bento and Rodrigo Melo Franco in 1936 © Divulgação
PINACOTECA: “Modernismo. Destaques do Acervo”, has 134 works by modernist artists that are part of the museum’s collection. Until Dec. 31st.
"São Paulo", Tarsila do Amaral, 1924 © Divulgação / Arte Ref
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