Tarsila do Amaral (1886 – 1973) was a seminal Brazilian painter and a pivotal figure in the development of Brazilian Modernism. Born in the São Paulo countryside, Tarsila, as she’s commonly referred to in Brazil, is known for her unique style that fuses European Modernist techniques with Brazilian subjects and themes, helping to cultivate a distinctive national art identity.
In terms of style, Tarsila was deeply influenced by a range of modernist movements, such as Cubism, Futurism, and Surrealism, but she integrated these styles with indigenous and local elements, which resulted in iconic, tropical and vibrant artworks. This approach was in line with the broader cultural movement in Brazil at the time, which sought to valorize uniquely Brazilian themes and aesthetics.
Tarsila’s travels to Paris in the 1920s were pivotal. She studied under renowned artists like André Lhote and Fernand Léger, absorbing various European avant-garde trends. However, it was her association with Brazilian intellectuals and artists, such as Oswald de Andrade and Anita Malfatti, that solidified her desire to produce a genuinely Brazilian form of modern art.
One of her most celebrated works is “Abaporu” (1928), an iconic image featuring a large, cactus-like figure in a desolate landscape. The painting was instrumental in launching the “Antropofagia” movement, which called for the “cannibalization” of European styles to create something uniquely Brazilian.
Other Brazilian artists of her time, like Emiliano Di Cavalcanti and Cândido Portinari, shared her aspiration of developing a distinctively Brazilian art. However, Tarsila’s emphasis on the fusion of local elements with European techniques set her apart.
In sum, Tarsila do Amaral’s legacy lies in her profound influence on Brazilian Modernism. Through her vibrant canvases and unique perspectives, she gave visual expression to a burgeoning sense of national identity and has solidified her place as one of Brazil’s most iconic and cherished artists.
Useful Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsila_do_Amaral
https://www.wikiart.org/en/tarsila-do-amaral
