Forty-five portraits by the Brazilian painter Dalton Paula, 30 of which are being shown for the first time, go on display at the Museu de Art São Paulo (MASP; 29 July–30 October). Forming part of MASP’s biennial programme ‘Brazilian Histories’, this exhibition acknowledges the sometimes unacknowledged contribution of Black leaders, writers and entertainers to Brazilian society and involved extensive research into the lives of Afro-Brazilian communities; it includes 12 paintings that were produced between 2019–22 with the financial support of MASP and have since been donated to the museum. Highlights include the portrait of the Brazilian author and abolitionist Maria Firmina dos Reis from 2022, which features Paula’s signature use of a split canvas and gold leaf. Find out more on MASP’s website.
Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here
Manuel Congo (2022), Dalton Paula. Museu de Arte de São Paulo; photo: Paulo Rezende; © the artist
Assumano Mina do Brasil (2022), Dalton Paula. Museu de Arte de São Paulo; photo: Paulo Rezende; © the artist
Maria Firmina dos Reis (2022), Dalton Paula. Photo: Paulo Rezende; © the artist