Beatriz Milhazes

Beatriz Milhazes (*1960 in Rio de Janeiro) takes the basic motifs for her colorful paintings from the tropical natural environment of her homeland, as well as from the history and culture of the former Portuguese colony. The influence of artists such as Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian, and Sonia Delaunay becomes apparent in her lively compositions of abstract ornaments, arabesques, flowers, geometrical shapes, and rhythmic patterns. Milhazes spreads out a planar space whose “depth” emerges out of the lightness and colorful dynamics of the decorative elements. Her unique technique recalls collage and decal images. This publication presents beautiful reproductions of four new, monumental paintings that address the four seasons, accompanied by striking collages and a graceful mobile—references to the mixed-media approach of the artist, who also designs and makes stage sets, façades, textiles, and ceramics.   Exhibition schedule: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, CAM Centro de Arte Moderna,  Lisbon, February 16–May 13, 2012