Brazilian Modernism at the Royal Academy of Arts: The Vibrant Revolution That Changed Art

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The Royal Academy of Arts opens a remarkable exhibition dedicated to one of the most vibrant chapters in Brazil’s history: the birth of Brazilian modernism. “Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism” runs from January 28 to April 21, 2025, and features over 130 masterpieces illustrating how Brazilian art shaped a distinctive cultural language, setting itself apart from European traditions. Afisha.London magazine has explored the exhibition and is excited to bring you its insights and highlights.

The grand exhibition “Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism” unveils the enigmatic world of Brazilian modernism. At first glance, this movement might seem like an echo of European modernism. However, a deeper exploration reveals its unique nature — vivid, bold, and deeply rooted in local culture and natural landscapes.

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Brazilian modernism emerged in the 1920s as a response to European artistic dominance. Young artists sought to create a style that reflected Brazil’s identity. The pivotal moment came with the “Week of Modern Art” in São Paulo in 1922 — a manifesto that broke away from academic traditions and adapted modernist ideas to Brazil’s realities. The London exhibition includes works by those who pioneered this transformative movement.

: Photo: Afisha.London

: Photo: Afisha.London

Unlike European modernism, which often focused on industrialisation, Brazilian modernism took inspiration from nature, mythology, and the country’s cultural diversity. One of the central figures of the exhibition, Tarsila do Amaral, combined elements of folklore, local traditions, and surrealist aesthetics in her work. Her iconic painting “Abaporu” became a symbol of Brazilian modernism, valuing the harmony of humanity, nature, and culture.

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The exhibition also highlights social issues that resonate throughout 20th-century Brazilian art. For instance, Cândido Portinari’s monumental works, depicting the lives of working-class people and peasants, address issues of inequality and colonial legacy. Meanwhile, Lasar Segall, Jewish emigrated from Lithuania to Brazil, explored the complexities of human nature, identity, and social conflicts.

Photo: Afisha.London

The exhibition introduces Brazilian art, as well as reveals unexpected connections. Geometric abstractions inspired by the Amazonian rainforest parallel European Cubism, while Tarsila do Amaral’s surrealist imagery resembles Dalí’s work. The interplay of urbanism and natural motifs also aligns Brazilian artists with the Russian avant-garde.

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“Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism” is not merely a journey into an unfamiliar artistic movement, it’s a reconsideration of modernism as a whole. It demonstrates how art can serve as a bridge between cultures while retaining its uniqueness. Running from January 28 to April 21, this exhibition promises inspiration and discovery at the heart of London.

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Cover photo: Afisha.London

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