Roberto Burle Marx. Modernismo Tropical

The Brazilian artist Roberto Burle Marx (1909–1994) revolutionized landscape architecture in the first half of the twentieth century by applying design principles from painting and music to nature. He also brought social and ecological questions to the forefront. The exhibition and book will give a broad audience insight into the interdisciplinary artistic cosmos of Roberto Burle Marx. His artistic stance, which runs like a common thread through his entire life’s work, serves as a unifying element, bringing viewers and readers closer to his multifaceted oeuvre and, of course, to the dazzling personality of Roberto Burle Marx. Fifteen case studies of landscape and garden projects introduce his innovative work. They demonstrate the significance of Brazil’s diverse native flora for the design of landscape gardens, and how this natural beauty is reflected while modernist ideas are taken up at the same time. With his projects and his work, Roberto Burle Marx strove to lastingly improve people’s lives in public space, and he actively promoted social and ecological engagement. The exhibition and book also present his paintings, works on paper, sculptures, and design objects; one chapter is devoted to his private collection of folkloric and religious objects.