Beatriz Milhazes : [exposition, Paris, Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, 4 avril-21 juin 2009]

Beatriz Milhazes was born, lives and works in Brazil. Internationally renowned, she has exhibited world-wide and represented Brazil at the Venice Biennale 2003. Her exhibitions include a major survey show at the Centro Cultural Banco Do Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, a solo show at Ikon Gallery, Birmingham and the Sao Paolo Biennale 2004. Milhazes rich and complex work draws together motifs which have their roots in her everyday environment, and includes references to natural forms, folk art, carnival, and Brazilian baroque decoration. She transforms these influences into abstract patterns and ornamental shapes, which shift between the recognisable and the unfamiliar. Using a technique reminiscent of collage, intricately layered images are built up, their surfaces pulsating with intense colour. The combination of harmony with often violent contrasts results in a visual experience that seems musical and which is full of unexpected tricks and treats.