Untitled (from the Bombas series), ca. 1965
Ecoline and China ink on paper
This striking composition by Mira Schendel belongs to her iconic Bombas series, developed in the mid-1960s. It features a bold, saturated red block juxtaposed with a dynamic, gestural sweep of black ink—creating a vivid dialogue between control and chaos, solidity and dispersion. The rawness of the brushstrokes and the bleeding of ink on paper highlight Schendel’s sensitivity to material and process, as well as her exploration of the psychological and philosophical resonances of form.
The Bombas series marks a departure from the more fragile works on rice paper that characterized her Monotypes, embracing instead a direct and almost explosive visual language. In this work, Schendel distills tension into pure abstraction, inviting viewers to confront the intensity of silence, violence, and the void.
Executed with ecoline and China ink, the work reflects Schendel’s ability to use minimal means to convey profound energy and existential weight—qualities that have made her one of the most revered voices in postwar Brazilian art.
Mira Schendel, born Myrrha Dagmar Dub in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1919, emerged as one of the most significant figures in Latin American post-war art. After fleeing Europe due to rising antisemitism, she settled in Brazil in 1949, where she developed a prolific and innovative artistic practice.
Schendel's work traversed various mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and installation. She is renowned for her exploration of language, philosophy, and the interplay between text and image. Her "Monotypes" series, created on rice paper, exemplifies her unique approach to materiality and abstraction.
Throughout her career, Schendel engaged with intellectuals and artists, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene in São Paulo. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including retrospectives at Tate Modern in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Schendel passed away in São Paulo in 1988, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence contemporary art discourse.
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