Anita Malfatti (1889–1964)
Anita Malfatti was a pioneering figure of Brazilian Modernism and a key force behind the cultural revolution that transformed Brazil’s artistic landscape in the early 20th century. Trained in Europe and the United States, she introduced expressive brushwork, intense colors, and experimental techniques that broke sharply with academic traditions in Brazil.
Her bold style initially sparked controversy, but it also inspired a new generation of artists and helped set the stage for the Modern Art Week of 1922, a landmark event that reshaped Brazilian art and culture. Malfatti’s portraits and figurative works often reveal psychological depth, individuality, and emotional tension, reflecting both her technical skill and avant-garde vision.
Today, she is remembered not only for her innovative paintings but for her role as a catalyst who challenged artistic conventions and helped define a modern cultural identity in Brazil.
