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The Royal Academy’s new exhibition, Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism, dives deep into the rich, complex world of Brazilian art in the 20th century. Bringing together over 130 key works, this landmark show reveals how ten visionary artists blended European avant-garde influences with Brazil’s own indigenous, Afro-Brazilian, and local traditions to forge a truly distinctive modernist style.
Meet the Artists Who Changed Everything
Anita Malfatti (1889–1964)
Seen as the spark that ignited Brazilian modernism, Malfatti brought Expressionist ideas back from her studies in Europe and the US. Her 1917 solo show stirred up controversy, challenging academic norms and setting the stage for a bold new artistic movement. Her portraits, full of raw emotion and intense colour, laid vital groundwork for modernist expression in Brazil.
Tarsila do Amaral (1886–1973)
Often called the “matriarch of Brazilian modernism”, Tarsila took Cubist techniques learned in Paris and reimagined them through a distinctly Brazilian lens. Her iconic pieces, like Abaporu and Lake, are surreal, symbolic depictions of the Brazilian landscape. As a central figure in the Anthropophagic Movement, she championed the idea of absorbing European art influences and transforming them into something uniquely Brazilian.
Alfredo Volpi (1896–1988)
Volpi, largely self-taught, found beauty in the everyday. He abstracted traditional Brazilian motifs —colonial façades, colourful flags — into elegant, geometric compositions. His use of tempera on canvas gave his work a unique texture and balance, securing his place as one of Latin America’s greatest modernists.
Lasar Segall (1889–1957)
A Lithuanian-Jewish immigrant, Segall brought with him the emotional power of German Expressionism. His works often explore themes of exile and social injustice, placing human suffering within a Brazilian context. His poignant images of migration and conflict resonate with a universal call for dignity and compassion.
Vicente do Rego Monteiro (1899–1970)
Monteiro’s paintings marry Cubist structure with the spirituality of Brazil’s indigenous heritage. Both poet and artist, he developed a stylised visual language rich in fragmented forms and sacred symbolism, paying homage to Brazil’s pre-Columbian roots through a modernist lens.
Flávio de Carvalho (1899–1973)
Always pushing boundaries, de Carvalho blurred the lines between painting, architecture, and performance art. From walking through conservative São Paulo in a skirt to building experimental structures, his work constantly questioned societal norms. His creations are as daring today as they were then.
Candido Portinari (1903–1962)
Portinari used art to speak up for Brazil’s working class. His grand murals and socially conscious paintings blend classical composition with emotive storytelling, often portraying the labour and dignity of everyday Brazilians. His War and Peace murals at the UN remain powerful emblems of resilience and hope.
Djanira da Motta e Silva (1914–1979)
Djanira painted Brazil’s people and traditions with warmth and sincerity. Her colourful, folk-inspired style celebrates rural life, religious festivals, and Afro-Brazilian customs. With no formal training, she carved out a space for popular culture in Brazil’s modernist scene.
Rubem Valentim (1922–1991)
Valentim was a pioneer of Afro-Brazilian modernism. His works blend abstraction with sacred symbols from religions like Candomblé, creating mandala-like pieces rich in both aesthetic and spiritual meaning. His art stands as a bold statement of cultural pride and identity.
Geraldo de Barros (1923–1998)
A pioneer of modern photography and design in Brazil, Geraldo de Barros was a founding figure in both the Concrete Art movement and influential groups like Grupo Ruptura and Unilabor. His experimental photograms and geometric abstractions challenged conventional aesthetics, blending art with industrial design.
Why This Exhibition Is Unmissable
Brasil! Brasil! isn’t just a journey through history — it’s a celebration of transformation. These artists didn’t simply adopt European trends; they made them their own, infusing every piece with the rhythms, stories, and struggles of Brazil. Their work continues to speak to timeless themes of identity, culture, and creativity.
For collectors, art enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike, this exhibition is a rare opportunity to explore one of modern art’s most exciting and original chapters.
