Athos Bulcão: artwork around the world

Appreciate some of artworks by Athos in cities of Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia, in partnership with architects such as Oscar Niemeyer and Elvin Mackay Dubugras.

Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Praia, Cabo Verde Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Praia, Cabo Verde (1983) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

His life

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Athos Bulcão (1918-2008), known as a multiple artist, he developed many techniques. During his 70 year-long career, created paintings, drawings, engravings, sculptures and the monumental integration between art and architecture. One of the most well-known Brazilian artists of the 20th century, Athos found in the tilery his greatest artistic expression. Much of his work is in Brasilia, but the artist has also participated on projects in several Brazilian cities as well as abroad.

Tile panel from Mondadori Publishing House, Milan, Italy Tile panel from Mondadori Publishing House, Milan, Italy (1971) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Tile panel from Mondadori Publishing House, Milan, Italy

In 1971 and 1972, during the period of the military dictatorship in Brazil, Athos Bulcão was in Paris, at the invitation of Oscar Niemeyer, to carry out collaborations in several projects developed in Europe and Africa. It is possible to highlight the headquarters of Mondadori Publishing in Milan and the University of Constantine in Algiers.

Tile panel from Mondadori Publishing House, Milan, Italy Tile panel from Mondadori Publishing House, Milan, Italy (1971) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Tile panel from Mondadori Residence, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France Tile panel from Mondadori Residence, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France (1972) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Tile panel from Mondadori Residence, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat,
France

The Nara Mondadori residence was designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1971. It is located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France. The residence has two variations of the same pattern of tiles, one in yellow and white and one in ultramarine blue and white.

Tile panel from Mondadori Residence, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France Tile panel from Mondadori Residence, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France (1972) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Tile panel from Mondadori Residence, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France Tile panel from Mondadori Residence, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France (1972) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Praia, Cabo Verde Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Praia, Cabo Verde (1983) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Praia, Cabo Verde

One of the most striking features of the beautiful embassy building, designed by the architect Elvin Dubugras, is the tile panel of Athos Bulcão that covers its façade. Dubugras, who designed projects in Brasília with works by Athos, integrated into his architecture, worked intensively for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was responsible for several works for Brazilian embassies in the 1980s. With this partnership, Athos had the opportunity to publicize his art in countries of Africa and Asia.

Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Praia, Cabo Verde Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Praia, Cabo Verde (1983) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Marble and granite floor from Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi, India (1984) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Marble and granite floor from Brazilian Embassy in New
Delhi, India

Marble and granite floor from Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi, India

Floor located in the entrance hall of the embassy. Art integrated to the building designed by the architect Elvin Dubugras. Dubugras, who designed projects in Brasília with works by Athos, integrated into his architecture, worked intensively for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was responsible for several works for Brazilian embassies in the 1980s. With this partnership, Athos had the opportunity to publicize his art in countries of Africa and Asia.

Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina (1989) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Brazilian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Two works by Athos Bulcão integrate the hall of the Brazilian embassy building in Buenos Aires. In a small outer area, the tile panel features pieces of the same design, randomly positioned, alternating green, yellow, and sky blue circles. The colors represent the flags of Brazil and Argentina. The relief in granite dialogues with the forms created by the architects for the building of the chancellery and with the material of the floor, also in granite. Art integrated into the architectural work of Olavo Redig de Campos, Oswaldo Carvalho and Luiz Henrique Pessina.

Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina Tile panel from Brazilian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina (1989) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Granite relief from Brazilian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina (1989) by Athos BulcãoFundação Athos Bulcão

Credits: All media
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