Anita Malfatti is one of the most important artists in the São Paulo cultural scene of the first half of the 20th century. [She was painter, drawer, engraver, illustrator and teacher as well]
She was first interested in art due to the influence of her mother, who taught painting.
Throughout her career, Anita produced over 900 artworks, among paintings, engravings and drawings, that are recognized as icons of Brazilian art.
Three of these works that are true masterpieces belong to the São Paulo State Government collection.
The work “Bust of woman”, from the time of her studies in Germany [1910] already displays the liveliness and originality that were later both criticized and praised just before the Modern Art Week, [This work was acquired by the Government in 1971] consolidating her as one of the precursors of the Brazilian modernist movement.
In “The Wind”, of 1915, [an icon of the Modern Art Week of 1922] Anita brought energetic brushstrokes minding color and movement as a result of her learning in the United States.
At that time, she was looking for more interpretative meanings in her spontaneous and intense landscapes. In 1917, the “Modern Painting Exhibition” showcased the pioneers of Modern Art in Brazil But the artist’s works were harshly criticized by journalist Monteiro Lobato, in an article that disapproved of Anita Malfatti’s avant-garde works. Femininity was a recurring theme in Anita’s works, [Portrait of Lalive, 1917] bringing originality, expression and modernity to the country’s culture. Anita Malfatti revolutionized the national art with her talent and boldness. Her works influenced an entire Generation and are still doing so today! [Learn more at: www.acervo.sp.gov.br]