Exploring Contemporary Art: 10 Influential Artists from Brazil

Exploring Contemporary Art: 10 Influential Artists from Brazil

naugurating on September 3rd, the 35th São Paulo Bienal is poised to cast a spotlight on the intricate dynamics within Brazilian and worldwide contemporary art. The event, titled "Choreography of the Impossible," resonates with the preceding biennial's homage to Édouard Glissant, the philosopher from Martinique, and his spotlight on the artistic and political potency of the Global South. Collaboratively curated by Brazilian and European experts, this year's biennial draws inspiration from diasporic cinematic histories, serving as a pathway to delve into a multitude of avenues for empowerment and movement—concepts that extend beyond the conventional confines of "freedom" as construed by Western neoliberal paradigms.

This thematic direction aligns aptly with the year 2023. As the Brazilian artistic sphere emancipates itself from the grip of ultra-conservative cultural clashes, creative voices hailing from Afro-Brazilian, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and women artists are progressively establishing their presence within a domain that was historically monopolized by white male counterparts. Spanning across an extensive terrain, Brazilian art is amalgamating futurism, environmental consciousness, and post-human frontiers, while simultaneously drawing inspiration from its own idealistic modernist history to mold this emergent artistic movement.

In the subsequent list, we present ten pioneering Brazilian artists whose contributions deserve widespread recognition.

Hudinilson Jr.: Exploring Identity Through Xerox Art and Beyond

Born in 1957 in São Paulo and passing away in 2013, also in São Paulo, Hudinilson Jr. remains an intriguing figure within the Brazilian art scene. Alongside fellow artists Rafael França and Mário Ramiro, he co-founded the collective known as 3Nós3, a clever play on the phrase “three knots,” indicating a strong bond. Operating out of São Paulo, the collective’s primary avenues of expression were performance and public art.

The trio garnered attention, albeit mixed, when they embarked on a series of interventions involving public statues of renowned national figures. Their unconventional approach involved shrouding these statues’ heads with plastic bags, a provocative act that provoked both interest and criticism, often seen as an act of vandalism. Subsequently, each artist ventured into their solo careers. Hudinilson Jr., in particular, delved into the then-emerging realm of Xerox art.

Today, Hudinilson Jr. is celebrated for his photocopied portrayals of his own body, which stand as intricate examples of homoerotic artistry. These pieces not only emphasize his unique approach but also hint at the creative prospects that would later be explored through other technologically driven mediums. However, his artistic explorations weren’t confined to a single avenue; they encompassed diverse formats, spanning photography and assemblage.

Although his legacy had somewhat faded from public view, the resurgence of Hudinilson Jr.’s work can be attributed to the efforts of gallerist Jaqueline Martins, who represents the artist’s estate. Furthermore, recent exhibitions held in prestigious institutions, such as his retrospective at Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo in 2020, have thrust his contributions back into the spotlight, rekindling interest in both Hudinilson Jr. himself and the broader artistic movement he was part of.

Luiz Roque: Converging Cinema, Critical Theory, and Social Commentary

Born in 1979 in Cachoeira do Sul, Brazil, and currently residing and creating in São Paulo, Luiz Roque stands as a distinctive presence within the contemporary art landscape. Roque’s artistic approach seamlessly melds elements from cinema, drawing inspiration from the realms of science fiction and music videos, and intertwines them with incisive critical theory.

A notable work within his portfolio is the video piece titled “Heaven” (2016), which gained prominence as part of the 32nd São Paulo Bienal. This visionary creation envisages a dystopian future where transsexual individuals are pursued by authorities, who propagate the notion that their saliva serves as a carrier of a novel virus. The artwork’s narrative resonates with the homophobic rhetoric of the AIDS pandemic era, while also shedding light on the prevalent gender-based violence in Brazil.

In another of Roque’s succinct yet impactful videos, “Urubu” (2021), a black bird elegantly glides between the towering buildings of the urban metropolis. This short film, crafted amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, captures the essence of Roque’s gift for encapsulating intricate concepts within concise visual frames. The piece evokes a sense of both vertigo and sensuality, simultaneously emanating an aura of threat and captivation.

The artist’s recent solo exhibitions, hosted at esteemed venues like the nonprofit art space Pivô and Mendes Wood DM in São Paulo during 2022, have showcased Roque’s evolving artistic trajectory. Additionally, his participation in the 2022 Venice Biennale further solidifies his place as an artist whose creative resonance extends beyond national borders. Luiz Roque’s multidimensional body of work stands as a testament to his adeptness in amalgamating cinematic influences, intellectual inquiry, and societal commentary, offering a profound exploration of contemporary concerns.

Emerson Uýra: Bridging Art and Ecology in Vibrant Visual Narratives

Born in 1991 in Santarém, Brazil, and currently based in Manaus, Emerson Uýra, often recognized by their single name, has surged into the Brazilian art sphere like a meteor. Armed with a background in biology and a master’s degree in ecology, Uýra presents a unique fusion of scientific insights and artistic expression. Their presence serves as a dynamic force, seamlessly navigating diverse territories of interest including plant life, gender fluidity, Indigenous rights, and the impact of post-colonialism.

Uýra’s contributions to the 34th São Paulo Bienal were emblematic of this rich amalgamation. The exhibition showcased a striking series of color-saturated photographs, wherein Uýra emerges as a hybrid entity, intertwined with lush plant life. This visual narrative holds significant potency, especially given the prevailing circumstances at the time. During this period, the Amazon Forest, Indigenous communities, and LGBTQ+ rights faced considerable threats, a climate catalyzed by the political upheavals following the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff.

Notably, 2022 marked a pivotal year for Uýra’s artistic journey. Their accomplishments included dual solo exhibitions held at prominent museums in Rio de Janeiro, coupled with participation in Manifesta 14—an esteemed European contemporary art biennial. Further attesting to their impact, Uýra was honored with the prestigious Prêmio PIPA art prize.

Emerson Uýra’s trajectory underscores their ability to bridge the realms of art and ecology, translating intricate concepts into visually captivating narratives. Their vibrant work not only engages with pressing societal concerns but also reflects a profound dedication to exploring the intersections of science and creativity.

Maya Weishof: Embracing the Bawdy in Painted Narratives

Born in Curitiba, Brazil, in 1993, and currently establishing her creative presence in São Paulo, Maya Weishof stands at the intersection of boldness and artistic expression. Her paintings resonate with an unapologetically audacious spirit, forging a visual language characterized by voluptuous forms and an unabashed celebration of fleshy, provocative humor. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources, spanning from antiquity and classical Italian painting to the pioneers of early modernism, Weishof crafts a unique artistic voice that defies convention.

Much like the Fauves, Weishof masterfully wields color as an expressive tool. However, her distinctive approach generates a profoundly personal lexicon, brimming with voluptuous designs that capture attention. Of particular note is her inclination toward themes of sexual liberation—a facet that resonates as particularly refreshing, especially within the context of Brazil, where young women painters are progressively etching their mark on the artistic canvas.

Weishof’s artistic journey has witnessed compelling milestones. Her recent solo exhibitions at esteemed venues like Galerie Hussenot in Paris in 2022, Kupfer in London in 2021, and Auroras in São Paulo in 2020, underscore her growing international recognition. Maya Weishof’s oeuvre dares to traverse uncharted territories, embracing the provocative and reveling in narratives that challenge societal norms.

Graziela Kunsch: Weaving Art, Education, and Psychoanalysis

Born in São Paulo in 1979 and currently based there, Graziela Kunsch is a dynamic figure whose creative path spans the realms of writing, education, and artistry. Her multifaceted approach is deeply intertwined with psychoanalytic and pedagogical methodologies, guided by a profound intellectual foundation. A significant source of inspiration for Kunsch lies in the works of iconic Brazilian artist Lygia Clark, particularly Clark’s conceptualization of art as a proposition, a philosophy that permeates Kunsch’s own artistic journey.

A defining facet of Kunsch’s career unfolded between 2001 and 2003, during which her São Paulo residence transformed into a public residency known as “Casa da Grazi” (Grazi’s House). This innovative initiative welcomed collaborators from across Brazil, hosting a series of immersive workshops and exhibitions. Simultaneously, the house operated as a restaurant and a library, fostering an environment where creativity, collaboration, and exploration converged.

Kunsch’s impact extends beyond her homeland, marked by a portfolio of solo endeavors and notable participations in international art events. Her presence graced the 2021 Oslo Biennial, where she unveiled a magazine issue titled “Urbânia.” Notably, her involvement in Documenta 15 yielded a visionary pedagogical project: a daycare center designed for children up to three years old, in the company of their parents and guardians. This endeavor, inspired by pediatric concepts of play, reflects Kunsch’s dedication to innovative education and communal engagement.

Graziela Kunsch’s journey showcases an adept blend of artistic vision and intellectual exploration. Her fusion of education, psychoanalysis, and creative expression leaves an indelible mark, challenging boundaries and sparking dialogues that resonate far beyond her physical works.

Bárbara Wagner and Benjamin de Burca: Capturing Cultural Vibrancy Through Video Art

Hailing from diverse origins, with Bárbara Wagner born in Brasília, Brazil, in 1980, and Benjamin de Burca in Munich, Germany, in 1975, this creative duo has forged a dynamic collaboration that has set the art world ablaze over the past decade. Presently based between the vibrant hubs of Berlin and Recife, Brazil, their collective efforts encompass an arresting exploration of social dynamics.

Their meteoric ascent reached a significant milestone with the retrospective exhibition “Five Times Brazil,” showcased at the New Museum in New York during 2022. This comprehensive showcase brought forth a selection of their impactful video works, delving unabashedly into subjects spanning race, religion, class, and ideological affiliations. With a discerning lens on gender performance and the intricate dynamics of power, their pieces unveil intricate layers of societal narratives.

A standout creation from their repertoire, “Holy Tremor” (2017), probes the realms of Evangelical music and performance traditions. In this work, they meticulously dissect form, ritual, and self-representation while interweaving a hint of fantastical elements. Another striking piece, “Swinguerra” (2019), originally commissioned for the Brazilian pavilion at the 58th Venice Biennale, delves into a unique musical style, capturing the fierce competition between rival dance groups. The result is a captivating fusion of vibrant cultural expression and imaginative storytelling.

Bárbara Wagner and Benjamin de Burca have illuminated the art world with their distinctive vision, tapping into the heart of cultural dynamics and translating them into visually compelling narratives. Their collaborative journey serves as an exemplar of how art can evoke profound conversations around societal intricacies and human interactions.

Brígida Baltar: Exploring Art's Boundaries Through Ephemeral Expressions

Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1959 and leaving an indelible mark upon the Brazilian art landscape until her passing in 2022, Brígida Baltar was an integral part of the dynamic collective of artists associated with Rio de Janeiro’s esteemed visual art institution, Parque Lage. This institution, established by conceptual artist Rubens Gerchman in 1975, served as a crucible for innovative artistic endeavors.

During the late 1980s, a period marked by Brazil’s return to democracy, Baltar embarked on a remarkable transformation of her artistry. She began to channel her body, her domestic space, and the natural environment into experimental art projects, aligning seamlessly with Parque Lage’s conceptual ethos. Baltar’s actions embraced the transient and the evanescent, breathing life into fleeting moments.

A notable instance is her work “Mist Collecting” (1999), where she ingeniously captured mist within a glass bottle, documented through a captivating series of color photographs. As her artistic journey unfolded, Baltar’s focus shifted towards referencing the human body over the landscape. An illustrative example lies in her series of delicate ceramic sculptures titled “The Vagina Seashells” (2017). This intricate work found its place within the group exhibition “Meu corpo: território de disputa” (“My Body: Territory of Dispute”) at Nara Roesler gallery, which represented Baltar.

Brígida Baltar’s legacy lies in her ability to transcend conventional artistic boundaries, embracing the transient and the intimate. Her journey epitomizes the transformative potential of art, capturing ephemeral moments and translating them into enduring expressions.

Bruno Baptistelli: Sculpting Concepts of Time and Space

Born in 1985 in São Paulo, Bruno Baptistelli has played an instrumental role in catalyzing the city’s contemporary art landscape. Co-founding the artist collective GDA Artistas in the early 2000s alongside fellow artist Maíra Dietrich, he has been at the forefront of fostering creative energy within São Paulo. The collective has established its presence in the burgeoning Barra Funda neighborhood, an area that hosts both established gallery exhibition spaces like Mendes Wood DM and Fortes D’Aloia & Gabriel.

Baptistelli’s recent endeavors have attracted notable acclaim, most notably through his solo exhibition “4.000 A.D.” at the prestigious Galeria Luisa Strina. Represented by this gallery, he showcased a thought-provoking collection of gold-plated objects meticulously crafted in the likeness of his own body parts. These creations were meticulously arranged within a glass vitrine within a dimly lit space, reminiscent of an ancient sarcophagus. The exhibition’s title was drawn from the poetic manifesto of Dutch Surinamese conceptual artist Stanley Brouwn, envisioning a distant future where art may fade, but the essence of space and movement endures.

Echoing his fascination with urban music, Baptistelli’s contributions extended to the exhibition “The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century” held at the Baltimore Museum of Art in 2023. Through his multifaceted practice, Bruno Baptistelli seamlessly weaves together the realms of time, space, and human expression, leaving an indelible imprint on São Paulo’s artistic narrative and the broader global discourse of contemporary art.

Rosangela Rennó: Exploring Memory and Materiality through Photography

Rosangela Rennó, born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in 1962, and currently based in Rio de Janeiro, stands as a compelling figure whose artistic journey has been marked by an unwavering exploration of memory, its intricacies, vulnerabilities, and artful fabrications. For decades, Rennó has harnessed the power of photography and video installations to probe into these profound questions, igniting dialogues that transcend time and borders.

A pivotal showcase of her artistry emerged through the recent retrospective “Small Ecology of The Images,” held at the esteemed Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo. This exhibition served as a testament to the depth and continuity of Rennó’s creative practice, shedding light on her unwavering dedication to her craft.

Among her noteworthy thematic pursuits is the investigation of film’s material essence. This is vividly displayed in her series “Blind Wall” (2000), wherein painted and boarded-up photographs metamorphose into muted, sculptural entities. This exploration of film’s tactile properties infuses her work with a unique dimensionality.

Another potent example lies in her piece “Candelária” (1993), where Rennó imprinted text onto transparent acrylic. This work references a tragic event—the killing of eight individuals, including six boys, by the police in Rio de Janeiro. By juxtaposing language with the visual, she provocatively underscores the deep contamination of language by imagery.

Rosangela Rennó’s artistic voyage traverses memory’s convoluted avenues, materiality’s subtleties, and the profound dialogue between words and visuals. Her creative inquiry invites audiences to ponder the intricate interplay of remembrance, perception, and the constructs that shape our understanding of the past and present.

Jaider Esbell: Pioneering Indigenous Contemporary Art

Hailing from the Makuxi people, Jaider Esbell etched an enduring legacy as a trailblazer within the first wave of Brazilian Indigenous artists to secure recognition within commercial art galleries. Rooted in his ancestral homeland of Roraima, Esbell’s impact extended far beyond his artistic practice. With unwavering dedication, he established a gallery with a community-oriented spirit, cementing his commitment to nurturing young Indigenous talents.

Esbell’s profound influence encompassed roles as an educator, curator, and bridge-builder between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artistic circles. His advocacy extended to critical institutional fronts as well. He championed the broader integration of Indigenous art within the 34th São Paulo Bienal, concurrently curating the complementary exhibition “Moquém_Surarî: Contemporary Indigenous Art” at the neighboring Museu de Arte Moderna de São Paulo.

The artist’s mesmerizing acrylic and pen paintings are a testament to his profound connection to the spiritual realm and the interwoven fabric of societal and natural domains. Characterized by intricate patterns, his works depict spiritual entities and emphasize the seamless continuity between these realms.

Esbell’s artistic journey witnessed notable milestones, including a solo exhibition at Millan (the gallery representing his legacy) in 2021, significant presence at the 34th São Paulo Bienal, and participation in the esteemed 2022 Venice Biennale. Jaider Esbell’s legacy stands as a powerful testament to his role in elevating Indigenous voices within the contemporary art discourse, leaving an enduring imprint that transcends cultural boundaries.

Exploring Contemporary Art: 10 Influential Artists from Brazil