The Colors of Tropicália Revisited
Unveiling the hidden stories within a vibrant painting inspired by a Brazilian cultural revolution in music
Capa do álbum Tropicália ou Panis Et Circencis, de Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Mutantes, Tom Zé, Nara Leão, acompanhados dos poetas Capinam e Torquato Neto e do maestro Rogério Duprat (1968)Instituto Gilberto Gil
Tropicália was a wildly creative explosion in Brazil during the 60s. It fused traditional Brazilian sounds with rock, bossa nova, and social commentary. Led by Caetano Veloso and Gilbero Gil, it brought innocavation with vibrant music, art, and fashion.
Contracapa do álbum Tropicália ou Panis Et Circencis, de Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Mutantes, Tom Zé, Nara Leão, acompanhados dos poetas Capinam e Torquato Neto e do maestro Rogério Duprat (1968)Instituto Gilberto Gil
A manifesto of the Tropicália movement, the eponymous album is considered a milestone in Brazilian music.
Tropicália (1998) by Iuri SarmentoMuseum of Modern Art of Bahia - MAM
A Visual Tapestry of Tropicália
This painting serves as a visual representation of the Tropicália movement, its vibrant colors echoing the music's diverse influences and its abstract forms reflecting the movement's rebellious spirit.
The artwork's rich textures and layered details invite viewers to delve deeper into its multifaceted legacy.
The portrait at the center of this painting is itself a recreation of the cover of the album "Tropicália: ou Panis et Circencis". Zooming in you can recognize some of the faces, such as...
...Gilberto Gil...
...Caetano Veloso holding a portrait of Nara Leão...
...and red-haired icon Rita Lee of the band Os Mutantes.
Artist Iuri Sarmento explores the visual vocabulary of Tropicália and adds other elements which are part of his artistry. This can be seen in the frame which inspired from Baroque art and catholic altars.
The addition of the surrounding decoration is also reminiscent of popular textiles and fabrics found in Brazil, such as the chintz and plaid. All these adorning elements are composed in a form which alludes to traditional tiles of colonial influence.
In this painting, the past and present collide, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound, imagery, and cultural influence. The artwork serves as a reminder of the power of art to transcend time and inspire generations.
