For anyone traveling to Rio de Janeiro next summer, or for those who want to know more about Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and Brazilian architecture; The following books are worth reading. (read also part 1 and part 2)
Roberto Burle Marx – Brazilian Modernist
Jens Hoffmann and Claudia J. Nahson
The modernist parks and gardens of Brazilian landscape architect and garden designer Roberto Burle Marx (1909–1994) earned him awards, widespread acclaim, and international fame. Over a 60-year career, he designed more than 2,000 gardens worldwide, the most famous of which are those he created in collaboration with the architect Oscar Niemeyer for Brasília. Although he is best known for his landscape work, Burle Marx was a prolific artist in a variety of media, and his larger body of work—which includes paintings, drawings, tile mosaics, sculpture, textile design, jewelry, theater costumes, and more—is critical to understanding his importance as a modernist. An avid horticulturalist, he was among the first to denounce deforestation in the Amazon region; he also discovered over thirty species of Brazilian flora, which bear his name.
This beautifully illustrated and groundbreaking publication covers the full range of Burle Marx’s artistic output, as well as his remarkable home, an abandoned estate that he transformed into his office, workshop, gallery, and living space. The enduring influence of Burle Marx’s work is also explored through interviews with seven contemporary artists: Juan Araujo, Paloma Bosquê, Dominique González-Foerster, Luisa Lambri, Arto Lindsay, Nick Mauss, and Beatriz Milhazes. These artists exemplify the extent to which his work continues to be a source of inspiration.
Jens Hoffmann is deputy director of exhibitions and public programs and Claudia J. Nahson is the Morris and Eva Feld Curator, both at the Jewish Museum, New York.May 3, 2016
224 pages, 9 1/2 x 10 1/4
185 color + 20 b/w illus.
ISBN: 9780300212150
Hardcover: $50.00Published in association with the Jewish Museum, New York
