Antonio Henrique AMARAL
Antonio Henrique Amaral (1935–2015) was a Brazilian painter, printmaker, and photographer, recognized for his politically charged and symbolically rich works. Best known for his "Banana" series of the 1970s, Amaral used the fruit—depicted in states of decay, slicing, or binding—as a metaphor for Brazil’s political and social turmoil under the military dictatorship. His style combined realism with surreal and expressionist elements, often rendered in vivid colors and meticulous detail. Beyond this signature series, his work explored themes of identity, oppression, and human resilience, making him a key figure in Latin American contemporary art.
ANTONIO HENRIQUE AMARAL. Acrylic on canevas. Signed bottom right
Title: Untitled
Artist: Antonio Enrique Amaral (1935–2006)
Medium: Pastel and mixed media on paper
Dimensions: [Not specified]
Description:
Composition by Antonio Enrique Amaral fusing human anatomy with elements of nature, depicting a breast-shaped volcano rising from stylized turquoise waves. The volcano erupts with radiant energy into a deep blue sky, where a crescent moon and cloud float nearby, reinforcing the dreamlike quality of the work. Amaral's use of bold color, curved lines, and sensual forms evokes a playful yet symbolic narrative of creation, nature, and transformation.
A prominent figure in Latin American modernism, Amaral often explored themes of power, identity, and the body through surreal allegories. This work reflects his signature fusion of political symbolism and poetic imagery, offering a visual meditation on the intersection of the natural world and the human form.
