Athos Bulcão is part of the Brazilian Senate

"I start drawing and suddenly something comes up that I hadn't imagined. Creation really is mysterious"

Athos Bulcão pelo Senado Federal (1971) by Athos BulcãoFederal Senate, Brazil

Who was Athos Bulcão

Athos Bulcão (1918-2008) was a renowned Brazilian painter, sculptor and architect, especially known for his tile panels. He was one of Niemeyer's main collaborators in the Brasília construction projects, which were spread throughout various parts of the city.

Bulcão is known for his works that combine geometric shapes and vibrant colors, often integrated into architectural projects such as tiles and panels.

Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal (1978) by Athos Bulcão and Athos BulcãoFederal Senate, Brazil

In the National Congress, there are 15 works by Bulcão, eight of which belong to the collection of the Senate Museum

Athos Bulcão pelo Senado Federal (1971) by Athos BulcãoFederal Senate, Brazil

The Ventania panel, which occupies part of the background of the walls of the Green Chamber and Blue Senate halls, is one of the artist's works. Dating from 1971 and measuring 79.8m x 7.68m, the painting is entirely covered in a mosaic of tiles with geometric figures in blue on a white background.

Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal (1978) by Athos Bulcão and Athos BulcãoFederal Senate, Brazil

Displayed on the corridor wall of the Senator Teotônio Vilela Wing in the Senate, two panels by Bulcão in geometric shapes and vibrant colors, in red, give access to senators' offices. An effect of light and shadow highlights the shapes that Bulcão imprinted on this work

Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal (1978) by Athos Bulcão and Athos BulcãoFederal Senate, Brazil

This high-relief panel in yellow and mustard makes up one of the side walls of the Petrônio Portella Auditorium in the Senate. With a capacity for 500 people, the auditorium is used for various events, such as seminars, hearings and party conventions. 

Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal (1978) by Athos Bulcão and Athos BulcãoFederal Senate, Brazil

Nobel Hall

In the Salão Nobre, where the Museum is located, the red wooden panel with carved geometric figures designed by the artist. The panel divides two areas of the Senate Museum and is one of the main drawcards of the Salão Nobre.

Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal (1960) by Athos Bulcão and Athos BulcãoFederal Senate, Brazil

Black Hall

In the Black Hall, on the wall dividing the Senate and the Chamber, visitors are welcomed by a huge white marble panel and rectangular drawings in black granite, which give the illusion of being on different levels.

Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal, Athos Bulcão, Athos Bulcão, 1960, From the collection of: Federal Senate, Brazil
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Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal, Athos Bulcão, Athos Bulcão, 1960, From the collection of: Federal Senate, Brazil
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Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal (2001) by Athos Bulcão and Athos BulcãoFederal Senate, Brazil

In the Interlegis building, also in the Senate, the tile panel at the bottom of the staircase occupies two floors and is the main entrance's calling card. Although he doesn't usually sign his works, this is one of the few where the author has left his name on it

Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal (2001) by Athos Bulcão and Athos BulcãoFederal Senate, Brazil

He lent his name so that various environments were covered with his panels, from common areas...

Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal (Março) by Rodrigo Viana and Rodrigo VianaFederal Senate, Brazil

...to auditoriums, including the Plenary of the Federal Senate.

Athos Bulcão faz parte do Senado Federal (Março) by Rodrigo Viana and Rodrigo VianaFederal Senate, Brazil

The ceiling of the Senate plenary is another work by Bulcão. The 135,000 gold-colored metal plates are affixed to the plenary dome. As well as beautifying the environment, the plaques also break up the light and improve the repercussion and volume of the sound in the plenary. 

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