Brazilian painter, photographer and designer, Geraldo de Barros (1923 – 1998) also worked in engraving, graphic arts, and industrial design.
He was a leader of the concrete art movement in Brazil, cofounding Grupo Ruptura and was known for his trailblazing work in experimental abstract photography and modernism. Since the mid ‘50’s he was also active as a designer of furniture (Unilabor), where he devoted himself until the late ‘80’s (Hobjeto).
Geraldo de Barros moved from geometry to pop art, from industrial design to photography. Influenced by concrete art and constructivist movement, he changed his view on representation of reality and applied new rules.
Remaining an indisputable pioneer of abstract photography, the exhibition shows a selection of his series of photographs ‘Fotoformas’ (1946-1951) in which de Barros experimented with a variety of techniques: solarization, manipulation of the image, drawing with ink on negatives, and multiple exposures.
Geraldo de Barros was twenty-eight years old when Fotoforma opened at MASP. Many images reflect the formal modern repertoire: close-up or low-angle shots. His experimentation was widespread, but predominantly abstract, showing his interest in texture and geometric form.
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