The exhibition Beatriz Milhazes: Rigor and Beauty at the Guggenheim Museum in New York showcases the vibrant, abstract work of Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes (b. 1960), spanning four decades from the 1980s to 2023. Featuring fifteen paintings and works on paper from the Guggenheim’s collection and key loans, the exhibition highlights her innovative “monotransfer” technique, where acrylic-painted motifs on plastic are layered onto canvas, creating dynamic compositions with organic patterns and geometric forms. Rooted in Brazilian heritage, Milhazes draws from Baroque colonial art, Carnival’s exuberance, Tropicália, and bossa nova, while engaging with global artists like Matisse and Mondrian. Early works like Santa Cruz (1995) reflect ornate influences, while later pieces like Mistura sagrada (2022) explore nature’s spiritual renewal post-COVID. Her collages (2013–2021) incorporate mass-produced materials and screenprints, showcasing bold experimentation. Part of the Guggenheim’s Collection in Focus series, this exhibition underscores Milhazes’s evolving artistry and cultural dialogue.
Beatriz Milhazes: Rigor and Beauty / Guggenheim Museum New York. August 30, 2025.
