BEATRIZ MILHAZES

On a cold, grey, winter day, I was inspired by the exuberant works of Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes.

Milhazes (1960-) is one of a growing number of Latin American artists who has reached international acclaim in recent years, due to a multitude of factors related to globalization.  

Her large-scale paintings and collages are influenced by Brazilian folk culture, including carnival, as well as decorative art; most notably, fashion and furniture design.

Her work is deeply connected to European and Brazilian modernism, and has been characterized as "low art" or "love art", referencing both the decorative/design aspect of the work and her gender.

Milhazes cites Henri Matisse (view my post here), Hélio Oiticica, Piet Mondrian (here), and Bridget Riley (here) as great influencers of her work.

"I want to have optical movements, disturbing things; such visions that your eyes would be disturbed when you see them...your eyes are always moving.  It's rather disturbing, even vertigo.  That way, I feel like you have a communication with the entire world."

             --Beatriz Milhazes

Milhazes lives and works in Rio de Janeiro, and is represented by one of my very favorite New York art galleries, James Cohan Gallery in Chelsea, as well as Stephen Friedman Gallery in London.

I'm wearing a thrifted, vintage dress (altered by me), vintage scarf, Libby Edelman suede boots, and a vintage eel skin purse.

[Milhazes images from jamescohan.com.  Quote from “Interview with Beatriz Milhazes,” RES Art World/World Art, No. 2 May 2008: 2-15.]