"Modern Women" is the online version of the exhibition of works from the Artistic-Cultural Collection of the Governmental Palaces of the State of São Paulo, brought together at Bandeirantes Palace.

When we think about who modern women are, we have many examples in the History of Humanity for centuries, if we consider the “modern” as the new, the act of divesting the thought and customs based on traditions, as well as the idea of transformation. Strong women who transformed realities and changed the way of thinking, living, working and being seen.

Through a set of paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and sculptures from the end of the 19th century to the first decades of the 20th century - the oldest work is from 1890 - continuing until the 1960s, we identify changes in Art, women authors and portrayed by artists, and the story of some of the artists who took part in this transformation.

In the spotlight, works by Anita Malfatti and Tarsila do Amaral who portray women of the time, as well as Ismael Nery, Victor Brecheret, and Flávio de Carvalho, artists of the period who also portrayed female poets, important figures in society, such as first art gallery owner from São Paulo. Another highlight of the exhibition is the pioneer photographer in Brazil, in the 1950s-60s, Maureen Bisilliat.

So let’s immerse ourselves in this context of one of the most significant moments in the History of Brazilian Modern Art.

Ana Cristina Carvalho
Curator of the Artistic-Cultural Collection of the Governmental Palaces of the State of São Paulo