The Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism exhibition at the Royal Academy offers an opportunity to explore Brazilian modernism, a movement that redefined the artistic landscape of the country. Featuring over 130 works by ten influential artists, the exhibition highlights how Brazilians fused international influences with local traditions to develop a distinctive artistic identity.
Brazilian Modernism at the Royal Academy
The Royal Academy, founded in 1768, is one of the UK’s most prestigious art institutions. It is dedicated to promoting the appreciation of art through exhibitions, education, and outreach.
The first exhibition of Brazilian modernism was hosted by the Royal Academy in 1944. It included over 150 paintings and traveled to various locations in the UK, including the National Gallery of Scotland, before being displayed in Paris.
Since then, Brazilian modernism has continued to gain recognition. Rather than copying European styles, Brazilian artists explored the country’s identity, drawing inspiration from everyday life, indigenous culture, and the Afro-Brazilian experience.
Featured artists at the exhibition
The exhibition brings together works from private and public collections across Brazil, many being displayed in the UK for the first time. The exhibition highlights key figures of Brazilian modernism, including:
- Candido Portinari – One of Brazil’s most significant modernist painters, focusing on social themes
- Anita Malfatti – A pioneer of modernism, introducing avant-garde techniques that challenged artistic norms
- Tarsila do Amaral – Known for her colorful, dreamlike depictions of Brazilian landscapes
- Alfredo Volpi and Djanira da Motta e Silva – Self-taught artists who captured Brazilian traditions
- Rubem Valentim – Incorporated African spiritual symbols into abstract works
- Flávio de Carvalho – A bold, provocative performance artist
The subjects of the paintings of Candido Portinari were particularly interesting to me. His works focus on social themes, including agricultural workers and migrant families. Portinari was one of Brazil’s most significant modernist painters, known for his ability to portray the struggles and dignity of the working class. His works, such as Os Retirantes, depict scenes of rural laborers and displaced communities, emphasizing social justice and human resilience.
Os Retirantes by Candido Portinari
O Lavrador de Café by Candido Portinari
I also enjoyed the colorful paintings of Djanira da Motta e Silva, which evoked the colorful scenes and life of Brazilian scenes. Djanira was a self-taught artist whose work captured the vibrancy of Brazilian folk culture, religious traditions, and everyday life. Her paintings often depicted scenes of Afro-Brazilian and indigenous communities, with a distinctive use of bold colors and geometric forms that brought a unique perspective to Brazilian modernism.
Should you visit?
The Brasil! Brasil! exhibition is a window into Brazil’s culture and identity. On a grey London day, its vibrant colors and energy transported me back to Brazil, making for an unforgettable experience. Whether you enjoy art, are learning Portuguese, or want to explore Brazilian creativity, this exhibition is well worth a visit.
The Brasil! Brasil! – The Birth of Modernism in Brazil exhibition is on at the Royal Academy until 21st April 2025
Essential Brazilian Portuguese Art Vocabulary
| Art | Arte |
| Artist | Artista |
| Exhibition | Exposição |
| Painting | Pintura |
| Sculpture | Escultura |
| Canvas | Tela |
| Gallery | Galeria |
| Modernism | Modernismo |
Click here for free language resources, including pages detailing vocabulary and grammar.