A mulher de cabelos verdes 1916

Anita Malfatti painted this portrait, "A mulher de cabelos verdes," or "The Woman with Green Hair," in Brazil at a time of intense cultural transformation. The image embodies a deliberate break from academic tradition, embracing expressive color and form. The sitter's green hair, unconventional skin tones, and direct gaze challenge the prevailing norms of beauty. The artwork was made during a period when Brazilian artists began looking to European avant-garde movements for inspiration, but also seeking to define a distinctly Brazilian identity. Malfatti spent time studying abroad and brought those influences home with her. It led to the Semana de Arte Moderna in 1922, a turning point in Brazilian art history, where artists like Malfatti pushed boundaries and ignited debate. To fully understand this painting, you might explore the archives of Brazilian art institutions, critical responses in the press, and Malfatti's personal correspondence. By considering its historical context, we can appreciate the artwork as a bold statement that questioned the status quo and paved the way for future generations of artists in Brazil.