Rubem Valentim

Born in 1922, the artist Rubem Valentim belongs to the second generation of Brazilian modernists. He studied dentistry and worked in the profession for several years before deciding in 1948 to devote himself entirely to painting. An exhibition at the library in Salvador of reproductions of modern art from all over the world was a revelation for Valentim. As well as paintings by Paul Cézanne, the exhibition included works by Paul Klee. Valentim commented:

“Klee made me realise the freedom of visual expression and the fundamental value of creative imagination.”

Shortly after this experience, Valentim began to explore abstraction. In the mid-1950s he discovered the work of Sophie Taeuber-Arp and Fernand Léger, which gave him new impetus. Valentim eventually combined these influences with emblematic, symbolic elements inspired by the Candomblé religion.

His Composition 3 from 1955, exhibited here, is intricate, varied and complex. At first glance, we see coloured rectangular or square planes. On closer inspection, however, there are also curved shapes, lines and grids. In addition, irregular shapes that look like crystals or stones are scattered throughout the painting. The composition is reminiscent of a complex machine, a control panel or futuristic architecture. There are only faint traces of the rigour and regularity of Concrete Art in this work. Instead, Valentim’s creativity seems to flow freely.