MASP: Tarsila do Amaral — Tropical Modernism

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"Tarsila do Amaral's vibrant canvases anchor this survey of anthropophagy and national identity in early twentieth-century Brazilian art."

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The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) proudly presents 'Tarsila do Amaral: Tropical Modernism,' a landmark retrospective running from April 1 to August 1, 2026. This extensive exhibition features over eighty works sourced from prestigious collections, documenting Tarsila do Amaral’s profound transformation of European avant-garde styles into a distinctively Brazilian visual language. Visitors are invited to explore the artist's evolution through her seminal Pau-Brasil and Antropofagia periods, which cemented her position as a central figure in twentieth-century modernism. The exhibition includes iconic paintings alongside rare archival materials that illustrate her foundational training in Paris and her subsequent influence on the Brazilian cultural landscape. By tracing her artistic trajectory, this showcase provides a unique perspective on the 'cultural cannibalism' movement, demonstrating how Tarsila challenged existing artistic norms to establish a bold new national identity. Through her signature vibrant palette and surreal compositions, Tarsila captured a nation in flux, leaving an indelible mark on art history that continues to inspire audiences today.

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