Visual Arts

Brazil has a long-standing history of creation in the field of visual arts with recognized excellence in painting, sculpture, landscaping, architecture, design and photography. The significant amount of internationally acclaimed Brazilian visual artists, such as Tarsila do Amaral, Cândido Portinari, Burle Marx, Oscar Niemeyer, Di Cavalcanti, Sebastião Salgado, Thomaz Farkas, Francisco Brennand, Sergio Rodrigues, Lygia Clark, Lygia Pape, Hélio Oiticica, Romero Britto, among others, stands as proof of the country´s importance in this field.

Brazilian visual arts attract the attention as being highly diverse and experimental. There is a strong presence of the human and natural aspects at the core of the country´s identity, a feature perceived by audiences even in some of the most innovative works. This attachment has been strengthened by the new generation of visual artists, being one of the reasons for the constant interest in Brazilian visual arts abroad.

Itamaraty sponsors and promotes events, exhibits and residency programs for Brazilian visual artists through its network of diplomatic and consular posts. Embassies and consulates work in coordination with local institutions and producers to publicize Brazilian artists in galleries, art schools and other dedicated venues. This network of diplomatic posts, as well as cultural centers abroad, can also house various Brazilian art displays based on calendar and space availability.

Cultural diplomacy is also engaged in the procurement and donation of art works for countries and international organizations, as part of Brazil´s policy of strengthening relations at global level and promoting Brazilian culture. A clear example was the donation by the Brazilian government of Candido Portinari´s “War and Peace” panels (picture) to the United Nations in 1957. The paintings were placed at the entrance hall of the General Assembly, which is the most important space of the United Nations headquarters in New York City.