The painting "Abaporu" is an iconic work by the Brazilian artist Tarsila do Amaral. Created in 1928, it is considered one of the most significant pieces of Brazilian modernist art. "Abaporu" is a word derived from the Tupi-Guarani indigenous language, combining "aba" (man), "por" (big), and "û" (to eat). The title loosely translates to "the man who eats people" or "the anthropophagous man."
"Abaporu" is regarded as a representation of the Brazilian identity and an embodiment of the ideas behind the Anthropophagic Movement. This artistic movement emerged in the 1920s and sought to create a distinct Brazilian cultural expression by embracing and reinterpreting foreign influences rather than imitating them directly.
Tarsila do Amaral's "Abaporu" was a groundbreaking artwork that challenged traditional artistic conventions in Brazil. It symbolized a break from European artistic influences and a celebration of Brazil's rich cultural heritage. Today, it is considered an iconic piece of Brazilian art and an emblem of modernism in Latin America.
That being said, since I was drawing digital Abaporus, why not draw Abaporu itself? Here, I focused solely on the tribute itself, but you can see this digital Abaporu being appreciated by other Abaporus in Project "Digital Abaporus at the Museum."
