Flavio de Carvalho introduced performance art to Brazil during the 1931 Corpus Christi parade, openly challenging conservative norms with provocative behaviors. Despite his significant influence, he never gained the international recognition of his contemporaries, possibly due to his refusal to conform to artistic trends. His artworks, now showcased in the Brasil! Brasil! exhibition at the Royal Academy, display a striking eroticism and vibrancy, distinctly setting them apart from the more traditional works of fellow Brazilian modernists. The exhibition emphasizes De Carvalho's unique approach, blending cubism and surrealism with aggressive brushwork and esoteric titles.
De Carvalho's performances were very provocative and raised a lot of eyebrows in what was a very conservative Catholic country; he was also so restless, moving from art to architecture, to journalism.
It's amazing how different his paintings are to what hangs beside them and was made around the same time, says Locke. It will be a step change for the viewer.
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