First Institutional Exhibition of Brazilian Painter Paulo Pedro Leal Opens in São Paulo

The first institutional exhibition of Brazilian self-taught painter Paulo Pedro Leal (1894–1968) is now on view at Pina Luz in São Paulo. Titled "Paulo Pedro Leal: trágico subúrbio," the show presents over 50 paintings created between the 1950s and 1960s. Leal's work captures the contradictions of Rio de Janeiro's modernization, depicting urban life, social conflicts, and religious rituals. His subjects range from historical scenes and naval battles inspired by World War I to landscapes showing the suburb's encroachment on rural areas. The exhibition includes notable works like "Afogamento de mendigos" (1965), which references a 1963 state violence scandal under Governor Carlos Lacerda known as "Operação Mata-Mendigos." Other highlights are "Crime no hotel" (1965), donated to the museum's collection, and "Batalha Naval/Bombardeio de um porto" (1966). Leal, who identified as a "spiritual painter," sold his works at Rio de Janeiro's Passeio Público for years before gallery owner Jean Boghici began representing him in 1953. The artist's practice included still lifes, erotic scenes from city brothels, and representations of Afro-Brazilian religious ceremonies like Candomblé, where he served as a priest. The exhibition runs from April 11 to November 8, 2024, with hours from 10:00 to 18:00, Wednesday through Monday.