Grupo Frente
Through its emphasis on intuition, empiricism, and individualism, the Rio de Janeiro–based Grupo Frente (1954−56) was the conceptual counterpart of the more orthodox Grupo ruptura in São Paulo. Unlike the latter tight-knit group, Grupo Frente was a loose association of artists who came together to exhibit, discuss, and share ideas about Concrete art. The collective was more interested in representing organic forms in their work while remaining within the nonfigurative, geometric conventions of Concrete art. The group’s avowed preference for color is evident in Faixas ritmadas [Rhythmic Strips] (1953), an iconic piece made of chromatic progressions by Ivan Serpa (1923−1973), the leader and founder of this movement. During its two-year existence, the Grupo Frente played a key role in the redefinition of Brazilian art through the exploration of the relationship between painting and architecture, through new techniques, and even through new technologies.
The majority of this text accompanied the exhibition Dimensions of Constructive Art in Brazil: The Adolpho Leirner Collection, presented at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, from May 20 to September 23, 2007. The exhibition was organized by Mari Carmen Ramírez, the Wortham Curator of Latin American Art and director of the International Center for the Arts of the Americas.
Our sincere thanks go to Adolpho Leirner, Mari Carmen Ramírez, María C. Gaztambide, Marty Stein, Matthew Lawson, Flora Brooks, and the Google Cultural Institute.
Design: Beatriz Olivetti and María Beatriz McGreger, ICAA-MFAH
