Candido Portinari (1903–1962) stands as an iconic titan in the history of Brazilian modern art and a preeminent master of Neo–Realist painting. By capturing the rich texture of the red earth, the broad, rugged backs of laborers, the faces of people from mixed cultures, and the poetic starry skies on canvas, he forged a unique, enduring visual identity for Brazil. His monumental murals, War and Peace, permanently housed at the United Nations Headquarters, presented Brazilian modernism onto the global stage, beautifully embodying the artist's profound concern for the future of humanity and his prayer for peace.
To mark the official launch of the China-Brazil Year of Culture, the National Museum of China—in partnership with the Candido Portinari Cultural Association and the Brazilian Institute of Museums—is proud to present The Brazil of Portinari. Featuring 56 of Portinari's original masterpieces alongside immersive multimedia installations, this exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of the artist's creative evolution and spiritual core: "Intimate Circle: Brazil's Affective Genesis" retraces childhood memories and familial warmth to capture a universal sense of nostalgia and life's inherent poetry; "Work, Struggle, and Nation: Spiral of Social Drama" casts a deeply empathetic gaze upon the Brazilian landscape and the crude life of its people, sculpting a vivid national portrait; "Faith and Folklore: Brazilian Popular Imaginary" vividly illustrates the folk beliefs, festive celebrations, and daily street life to honor a resilient national spirit that strives toward a better future; and "From Draft to Synthesis: Technical Treaties" gathers preparatory sketches and drawings, offering an intimate look at his rigorous geometric compositions and consummate craftsmanship. Ultimately, this exhibition is far more than a panoramic retrospective of Portinari's brilliant career; it stands as a profound, transcendent cultural dialogue between China and Brazil.
Portinari once wrote that he had "no other thought than that of fraternity and peace." Art possesses the extraordinary power to transcend the vast distances of time and space, illuminating the convergence of diverse civilizations. It is our sincere hope that this exhibition will immerse our visitors in the vibrant cultural tapestry of South America.
May you feel the quiet, grounding power of an art deeply rooted in the red soil yet brilliantly reflective of reality, as we witness the two great civilizations embrace and flourish together through the harmony of color, light, and shadow.
Inside the Exhibition
