Sul da América 2002

Beatriz Milhazes made 'Sul da América' with paint to create a real visual feast for the eyes! The painting is built up of layers of shapes and colours; there’s a real sense of process here, the physical presence of the paint. The surface has this amazing quality, because it’s both flat and deep at the same time. The colours are bright and warm with blues and reds and yellows sitting on top of each other. Look at the spiraling form in the centre of the canvas. It’s like a tiny galaxy or maybe a cake decoration. So much to look at! Milhazes’ work often has this feeling of abundance. Think of artists like Matisse. He also used simplified forms and pure colours to create an atmosphere of optimism and joy. Ultimately, though, the beauty of art lies in its openness to interpretation.