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De CavalcantiBrazilian modernist artist.
Date of Birth: 06.09.1897
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
- Early Life and Influences
- Modernist Breakthrough
- European Exposure
- Communist Engagement
- Imprisonment and Resilience
- European Sojourn and Rediscovered Works
- Focus on Latin American Themes
- Legacy as a Brazilian Modernist
Early Life and Influences
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Di Cavalcanti experienced the city's artistic ambiance from a young age. He briefly studied law but abandoned it, moving to São Paulo in 1917. His early exhibition, featuring caricatures influenced by Symbolism, was held at a São Paulo bookstore.
Modernist Breakthrough
In 1918, Di Cavalcanti joined a group of intellectuals including Mario de Andrade and Oswald de Andrade. He played a significant role in the Semana de Arte (Art Week) of 1922, showcasing works influenced by Symbolism and Expressionism.
European Exposure
From 1923 to 1925, Di Cavalcanti lived in Paris, working as a correspondent and attending the Académie Ranson. During this time, he encountered artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, which influenced his decision to embrace a more distinctly Brazilian style.
Communist Engagement
Upon returning to Rio de Janeiro in 1925, Di Cavalcanti joined the Brazilian Communist Party. He combined his artistic practice with interior design and played a pivotal role in the Sociedade Pr?-Arte Moderna (SPAM), which promoted modernism in Brazil.
Imprisonment and Resilience
Di Cavalcanti faced imprisonment twice due to his communist beliefs. In 1932, he met his second wife, Noemia Mourão, while in prison. They were both imprisoned again in 1936.
European Sojourn and Rediscovered Works
From 1937 to 1940, Di Cavalcanti and his wife lived in Europe. He received a gold medal at the "Art Technique" exhibition in Paris. Around 40 works from this period were discovered in the Brazilian embassy in Paris in 1966, having been left behind when they fled the imminent German occupation in 1940.
Focus on Latin American Themes
After 1940, Di Cavalcanti settled in São Paulo, focusing on distinctly Latin American subjects. His works depicted the female body, mulatto women, black people, carnival scenes, and tropical landscapes.
Legacy as a Brazilian Modernist
Along with Cândido Portinari and Lazar Segall, Di Cavalcanti is considered one of the three major Brazilian artists. His modernist style, influenced by European experiences and infused with national identity, has significantly contributed to the cultural landscape of Brazil.
