Coisa Linda (Something Beautiful)

November 21, 2002–January 13, 2003

The first in a series of special-edition publications pairing artists and writers, the artist's book Coisa Linda (Something Beautiful), created by Beatriz Milhazes (b. 1960, Brazil), juxtaposes ornamental abstract images with poetic lyrics from some of the most influential Brazilian songwriters of the past 100 years. Known for her colorful and exuberant abstractions executed in a variety of mediums, Milhazes created Coisa Linda to explore the connection between music and image, specifically drawing influences from the sights and sounds of her native Rio de Janeiro. The forty-four-page, twelve-inch-square book features a hand-printed cover, thirty two screenprints hand-printed in forty colors, and a unique collage assembled by the artist, juxtaposed with lyrics from twelve traditional and contemporary Brazilian songs that inspired her. The exhibition includes copies of the book, along with a selection of pages and an original collage. A limited edition of 200 copies was published by The Museum of Modern Art on December 5.

Organized by May Castleberry, Editor of Contemporary Editions, The Museum of Modern Art