ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Major Mestre Didi Exhibition Opens at Itaú Cultural in São Paulo

exhibition · 2026-04-08

Itaú Cultural in São Paulo has launched the largest exhibition dedicated to Mestre Didi (Deoscóredes Maximiliano dos Santos, 1917-2013). Curated by Rodrigo Moura and Ayrson Heráclito, the showcase comprises 50 pieces created over five decades. Officially opening on Tuesday, April 7, the exhibition spans three floors and will be available for viewing until July 5. Moura seeks to redefine Didi's impact in a society marred by racism, showcasing his insightful approach to the art market. Featured works range from the 1970s to the 2010s, including a significant scepter previously unseen and items not displayed since the 1996 Bienal. The curation engages with artists such as Rubem Valentim and Abdias Nascimento, underlining the importance of cultural institutions in fighting intolerance.

Key facts

  • The exhibition is the largest ever on Mestre Didi (Deoscóredes Maximiliano dos Santos).
  • It features 50 works spanning five decades of his production.
  • Curated by Rodrigo Moura and Ayrson Heráclito.
  • Located at Itaú Cultural, Avenida Paulista, 149, São Paulo.
  • Opened April 7 and runs until July 5.
  • Occupies three floors of the venue.
  • Includes works from the 1970s to the 2010s, including a never-exhibited large scepter.
  • Aims to reposition Didi's legacy in the context of 21st-century Brazilian society and Afro-Brazilian modernisms.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Itaú Cultural
  • Museo del Barrio
  • Malba
  • ARTE!Brasileiros
  • Academia de Belas Artes
  • Ministério da Cultura
  • terreiro Ilê Asipá
  • Ilê Asipá
  • Sociedade de Estudos da Cultura Negra no Brasil (SECNEB)
  • Museu Afro Brasil Emanoel Araújo
  • El Museo del Barrio
  • Biennale Arte 2026
  • Espaço Milú Villela
  • Enciclopédia Itaú Cultural

Locations

  • São Paulo
  • Brazil
  • New York
  • United States
  • Buenos Aires
  • Argentina
  • Avenida Paulista
  • Salvador
  • Bahia
  • Veneza
  • Italy
  • Benin
  • Avenida Paulista, 149
  • Brigadeiro metro station

Sources