Sophie Taeuber-Arp in the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art of University of São Paulo

• Grant number: 24/01410-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Linguistics, Literature and Arts - Arts - Art Fundamentals and Criticism
• Principal Investigator: Heloisa Espada Rodrigues Lima
• Grantee: Larissa Fernandes Martins da Silva
• Host Institution: Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The research aims to investigate the painting "Triangles pointe sur pointe, rectangle, carrés, barres" [Triangles Pointing Point, Rectangle, Squares, Bars], by Sophie Taeuber-Arp, which is part of the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art of the University of São Paulo (MAC USP), and its acquisition by the Museum of Modern Art of São Paulo (MAM SP), after the presentation of the work at the 1st São Paulo Biennial - at the time still called the Biennial of MAM SP. With the aim of contextualizing "Triangles pointe sur pointe, rectangle, carrés, barres" in the trajectory of the artist and in relation to her broader production, we will observe her poetic research and biography. The investigation into the acquisition of the work includes the analysis of Taeuber-Arp's presence at the 1st Biennial in 1951 and its impact on the Brazilian artistic scene. These efforts will lead to fundamental gender issues, related to the lack of studies on the impact of Sophie Taeuber-Arp's work in the Brazilian context, the absence of specific studies on the painting in question, and even the scant presence of books about the artist in USP libraries. The current research project aims to contribute to a change in this scenario.