Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism at the Royal Academy of Arts

This month, the Royal Academy of Arts in London unveils an eagerly anticipated exhibition, Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism, showcasing works from the 1910s to the 1970s by ten notable Brazilian artists. These include Tarsila do Amaral, Alfredo Volpi, Djanira, and Candido Portinari. During this transformative era, Brazilian artists forged a unique form of Modernism amid political turbulence. To aid understanding of this movement, assistant curator Rebecca Bray has curated a list of five essential books available in English.

Key Books on Brazilian Modernism

1. Modernity in Black and White: Art and Image, Race and Identity in Brazil, 1890-1945 (2021) by Rafael Cardoso

“This book challenges the mainstream narrative concerning Brazilian Modernism’s origins, often associated with the 1922 Semana de Arte Moderna, by spotlighting earlier and varied expressions of modernity. Its thorough critical analysis of race, identity, and visual culture offers an encompassing and nuanced perspective on Brazilian art and society in the early 20th century.”

2. Macunaíma (1928) by Mário de Andrade

“Mário de Andrade, a prominent voice in Brazilian Modernism, presents his novel Macunaíma, a foundational Modernist work. The narrative follows a shapeshifting 'hero' and intertwines folklore, mythology, and social commentary to delve into Brazilian identity. Katrina Dodson’s recent translation successfully conveys Andrade’s playful use of language, immersing readers in the novel's exciting atmosphere.”

3. Transatlantic Encounters (2018) by Michele Greet

“This book is crucial for understanding how Brazilian and other Latin American artists engaged with the avant-garde scene in inter-war Paris. It examines the artists' diverse reactions to the primitivism they encountered, challenging Eurocentric stories. Michele Greet acknowledges the cultural exchanges and innovations these artists brought about, highlighting their pivotal role in global Modernist art.”

4. Form and Feeling: The Making of Concretism in Brazil (2021), edited by Antonio Sergio Bessa

“A comprehensive examination of Brazil’s abstract Concrete art and the subsequent Neo-Concrete movement, driven by experiential factors. The anthology tackles not only the visual and structural components of Concretism, but also presents new insights into its influence on art, poetry, and education, showcasing its continued impact on Brazilian culture.”

5. Today Is Always Yesterday: Contemporary Brazilian Art (2013) by Michael Asbury

Today is Always Yesterday cleverly connects Modernism to the present through a captivating analysis of contemporary Brazilian art. Michael Asbury discusses Brazil’s historical constructs and cultural myths, demonstrating how art can both reflect and shape history. The book’s chapters are creatively organized around the colors of the Brazilian flag, providing a fresh perspective.