Forming Abstraction: Art and Institutions in Postwar Brazil

Forming Abstraction challenges the notion that art produced outside hegemonic centers is derivative or provisional by highlighting the importance of exhibitionary and pedagogical institutions in the development of abstract art in Brazil. The book demonstrates that Brazilian art institutions and abstract artistic groups served as crucial loci for the articulation of societal identities in a newly democratic nation at the onset of the Cold War.

Format: Hardback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Forming Abstraction challenges the notion that art produced outside hegemonic centers is often seen as a form of derivation or relegated to a provisional status. In her groundbreaking book-length study of postwar Brazilian art and culture, Adele Nelson delves into the significance of exhibitionary and pedagogical institutions in the development of abstract art in Brazil. By examining the formation of the São Paulo Biennial in 1951, the early activities of artists such as Geraldo de Barros, Lygia Clark, Waldemar Cordeiro, Hélio Oiticica, Lygia Pape, and Ivan Serpa, as well as the ideas of critics like Mário Pedrosa, Nelson sheds light on the intricate, strategic processes of citation and adaptation of both local and international forms. Through this comprehensive analysis, the book ultimately demonstrates that Brazilian art institutions and abstract artistic groups, particularly their exhibitions of abstract art, played a crucial role in articulating societal identities in a newly democratic nation at the onset of the Cold War.

Introduction:
The study of art produced outside hegemonic centers has often been characterized by a perception that it is derivative or relegated to a provisional status. This narrative is challenged by Forming Abstraction, the first book-length exploration of postwar Brazilian art and culture. In this groundbreaking work, Adele Nelson emphasizes the importance of exhibitionary and pedagogical institutions in the development of abstract art in Brazil. By focusing on key events and figures, such as the formation of the São Paulo Biennial in 1951, the early activities of artists like Geraldo de Barros, Lygia Clark, Waldemar Cordeiro, Hélio Oiticica, Lygia Pape, and Ivan Serpa, and the ideas of critics like Mário Pedrosa, Nelson sheds light on the complex, strategic processes of citation and adaptation of both local and international forms. Through this comprehensive analysis, the book demonstrates that Brazilian art institutions and abstract artistic groups, particularly their exhibitions of abstract art, played a crucial role in articulating societal identities in a newly democratic nation at the onset of the Cold War.

The Significance of Exhibitionary Institutions:
Nelson begins her study by examining the formation of the São Paulo Biennial in 1951, which marked a significant moment in the development of abstract art in Brazil. The Biennial, initiated by the artist and critic Mário Pedrosa, aimed to bring together artists from different parts of the world and showcase their work in a democratic and inclusive environment. This event not only provided a platform for Brazilian artists to showcase their work but also exposed them to international artistic trends and practices. The São Paulo Biennial played a crucial role in shaping the development of abstract art in Brazil by encouraging artists to experiment with new forms and techniques. It also provided a space for artists to engage with each other and exchange ideas, leading to the formation of collaborative projects and the development of a vibrant artistic community.

The Role of Artists:
The book also highlights the early activities of artists such as Geraldo de Barros, Lygia Clark, Waldemar Cordeiro, Hélio Oiticica, Lygia Pape, and Ivan Serpa, who played pivotal roles in shaping the development of abstract art in Brazil. These artists were part of a generation that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, during a period of political and social upheaval in Brazil. They were influenced by a range of artistic movements, including Surrealism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism, but they also developed their own unique styles and approaches. Geraldo de Barros, for example, was known for his use of geometric shapes and bold colors, while Lygia Clark was renowned for her use of organic forms and sensory experiences. Waldemar Cordeiro, on the other hand, was known for his use of abstract typography and his exploration of the relationship between language and visual art.

The Ideas of Critics:
In addition to examining the work of artists, Nelson also delves into the ideas of critics like Mário Pedrosa, who played a crucial role in shaping the reception of abstract art in Brazil. Pedrosa was a prominent art critic and curator who was instrumental in promoting abstract art in Brazil during the 1950s and 1960s. He believed that abstract art was a powerful tool for expressing the complexities of modern life and for challenging the dominant ideologies of the time. Pedrosa's ideas influenced the development of abstract art in Brazil by encouraging artists to explore new forms and techniques and by promoting the idea that art could be a form of social commentary.

Societal Identities and Abstract Art:
The book concludes by demonstrating that Brazilian art institutions and abstract artistic groups, and their exhibitions of abstract art in particular, served as crucial loci for the articulation of societal identities in a newly democratic nation at the onset of the Cold War. Abstract art, with its emphasis on form and color, provided a means for artists to express their own experiences and perspectives while also engaging with the broader social and political context of the time. By showcasing abstract art in exhibitions, art institutions and groups helped to create a sense of identity and belonging among Brazilian citizens, particularly those who were marginalized or excluded from traditional forms of artistic expression.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Forming Abstraction offers a groundbreaking exploration of the development of abstract art in Brazil and its relationship to the formation of societal identities. By focusing on the role.

Weight: 1270g
Dimension: 229 x 178 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520379848