MASP Reinstates Lina Bo Bardi's Revolutionary Glass Easels in Permanent Exhibition
The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) has reintroduced architect Lina Bo Bardi's initial exhibition layout from 1968 in 'Picture Gallery in Transformation,' which debuted on 10 December 2015. The restoration, overseen by artistic director Adriano Pedrosa, revisits Bo Bardi's original concept after a wall-mounted arrangement from 1996. This design showcases 119 artworks displayed on transparent glass panels resting on concrete bases, featuring creations by Velázquez, Rembrandt, Titian, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, and Brazilian artists. Bo Bardi's intention was to 'produce shock' and 'awaken curiosity.' The exhibition also includes sculptures and Marcelo Cidade's 2011 work, which reflects institutional history. Concurrently, Carla Zaccagnini presents an exhibition highlighting artworks vandalized by suffragettes. Pedrosa organized the pieces chronologically to enhance visitor interaction.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Picture Gallery in Transformation' opened at MASP on 10 December 2015
- Reinstates Lina Bo Bardi's 1968 design of concrete-and-glass easels, used until 1996
- Features 119 artworks including paintings by Velázquez, Rembrandt, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, and Brazilian artists
- Collection assembled by Francisco de Assis Chateaubriand and Pietro Maria Bardi in 1940s-60s
- Includes sculptures like Degas's 'Little Dancer, Aged 14' and a 4th-century marble of Hygeia
- Marcelo Cidade's 2011 easel replica shattered by bullets is the sole 21st-century work
- Anti-reflective glass protects 84 paintings; security guards monitor unprotected large works
- Concurrent exhibition by Carla Zaccagnini outlines artworks attacked by British suffragettes in 1913-14
Entities
Artists
- Lina Bo Bardi
- Adriano Pedrosa
- Francisco de Assis Chateaubriand
- Pietro Maria Bardi
- José Pancetti
- Velázquez
- Rembrandt
- Titian
- Matisse
- Picasso
- Van Gogh
- Portinari
- di Cavalcanti
- Malfatti
- Segall
- Rodin
- Degas
- Marcelo Cidade
- Carla Zaccagnini
- Mary Richardson
Institutions
- Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP)
Locations
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- Avenida Paulista