BEATRIZ MILHAZES, REVISITED

For at least a few years now, Brazil has been hovering near the top of my list of places to go.  Part of this is because I discovered Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes in 2011 and have been transfixed on her work and its relation to Brazil (and, specifically, Rio de Janeiro) ever since.

At her recent exhibition at James Cohan Gallery in New York, Milhazes referenced Marola, or ripples in the water, and this natural phenomenon is evidenced as imagery in her work and as an effect her artwork has had on Brazilian culture.  Some of her inspiration includes Henri Matisse's Cutouts, as well as the work of Sonia Delaunay.  However, her bright colors and playful imagery have become a part of the Brazilian cultural conscience, and allude to the vibrancy of Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, and the visual and spiritual energy of Milhazes' home country.

Milhazes' work is easy for me to love, and compounds my need to experience the vivacity of Brazil firsthand.

Dress: Pleats Please Issey Miyake

Tights: Uniqlo

Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood

Photos by William Sealy.