Fab 40: Brazilian Street Artists
A new wave of young Brazilian designers are coming to the fore with a unique visual take on life in the major cities, breaking the boundary between art, illustration and design.
See more Eduardo Recife's work
‘Street Art’ has become a significant force in Brazil – given further recognition by the Tate Modern’s Street Art exhibition last summer which featured the work of Brazilians Nunca and Os Gêmeos – with artists working on and off the streets and mixing techniques like graffiti, line drawing and collage.
Three of these artists have came together for Brazil Illustrated, a show at Gallery 32 in London this Septemb: Bruno Kurru, from São Paulo, Wagner Pinto, from Porto Alegre, and Eduardo Recife, from Belo Horizonte. Despite distinctively different styles, each artist worked with the space, producing breathtaking site-specific installations.
Bruno Kurru's work brings together line drawing and found objects, while Wagner Pinto draws inspiration from the iconography of native and Afro-Brazilian myths, producing works that move subtly between an extravagantly colourful subjectivity and religious symbolism. Eduardo Recife, perhaps the most established and commercially successful though still in his 20s, creates pieces which are a combination of textures, patterns and overlaying objects.
The artists have an undeniably Brazilian style and flamboyance but still manage to engage with more universal themes. They work on the blurred line between illustration and spatial art and in the process are helping forge an altogether new medium.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Harriet Lloyd-Smith was the Arts Editor of Wallpaper*, responsible for the art pages across digital and print, including profiles, exhibition reviews, and contemporary art collaborations. She started at Wallpaper* in 2017 and has written for leading contemporary art publications, auction houses and arts charities, and lectured on review writing and art journalism. When she’s not writing about art, she’s making her own.
-
Fender Hello Kitty Stratocaster marks 50 years of Sanrio’s finest cartoon cat
Hello Kitty reaches her half-century in 2025 and Fender Japan is out to celebrate with guitars and new merchandise, including a revival of its cult Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
First Look: inside Bentley Home's new Dubai flagship
Bentley Home expands within the UAE with its first flagship store in Dubai, a light and airy showroom showcasing some of the best of luxury craftsmanship
By Becky Sunshine Published
-
First Look: ‘It’s a chair that smiles at you,’ says designer Bruce Hannah
Knoll reissues the Morrison Hannah office chair from 1973, bringing a welcome dose of comfort to working life and simplicity to complex times
By Hugo Macdonald Published
-
34th São Paulo Bienal arrives at Luma Arles for first European presentation
An exhibition of highlights from the 34th São Paulo Bienal is at Luma Arles, marking its European and tour finale
By Martha Elliott Published
-
Anne Imhof ‘Avatar II’ review: a psychological thriller to make you wince and wonder
German artist Anne Imhof’s ‘Avatar II’ exhibition at London’s Sprüth Magers is a compelling, uncanny probing of contemporary culture, reality and artifice
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Last updated
-
‘Light & Space’ at Copenhagen Contemporary: ‘moving art without moving elements’
On view until 4 September, epic group show ‘Light & Space’ explores the past and present of the iconic light and installation art movement. It’s physical, emotional, bodily and disorientating
By Jeni Porter Last updated
-
Manifesta 14: an unflinching look at Kosovo’s fraught history and ambitious future
In Prishtina, nomadic biennial Manifesta 14 draws on the past and future of Kosovo through ambitious art and staggering architecture
By Hili Perlson Last updated
-
Documenta 15 review: social practice, controversy and food for thought
Mired in evolving controversy, Documenta 15 has raised critical questions about transparency, accountability and creative freedom. Emily McDermott travels to Kassel to explore how an edition filled with social practice art urges active participation and throws global power structures into sharp relief
By Emily McDermott Last updated
-
‘Worldbuilding’ exhibition review: a trip through the uncanny valley of art and gaming
Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, ‘Worldbuilding: Gaming and Art in the Digital Age’ at the Julia Stoschek Collection, Düsseldorf, explores how artists can embrace and subvert the visual language and culture of video games
By Will Jennings Last updated
-
Frieze New York 2022: activism, NFT action, and stellar shows around town
To mark the tenth-anniversary edition of Frieze New York (18 – 22 May), we’ve compiled a guide to the most exciting happenings inside and outside The Shed
By Tilly Macalister-Smith Last updated
-
Review: Larry Bell saturates senses and bends perception at Hauser & Wirth London
At Hauser & Wirth London, iconic Light and Space artist Larry Bell is testing the limits of optical and spatial reality in new glass installations. The show coincides with the artist’s major exhibition at Dia Beacon, New York
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith Last updated