Anna Maria Maiolino, an 83-year-old Italian-born Brazilian artist, is the subject of a feature interview following her first solo exhibition in France, titled "Estou Aqui (I am here)", at the Musée Picasso in Paris. The exhibition spans her career of over 60 years and includes newly commissioned work. Maiolino, who won the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 2024 Venice Biennale, discusses her migration from Italy to Venezuela to Brazil, her time in New York, and her return to São Paulo. She reflects on her artistic practice, which evolved from gestural works on paper and film to clay installations, and her engagement with themes of exile, language, and memory, often using simple materials like paper, cement, and clay.
This article matters because it highlights a major milestone for a leading figure in contemporary Brazilian art, whose work has gained increasing international recognition. Maiolino's exhibition at the Musée Picasso places her in dialogue with one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, while her personal narrative of migration and political upheaval resonates with broader discussions about identity, displacement, and artistic resilience. The interview offers insight into her creative process and the philosophical underpinnings of her practice, underscoring her relevance in the global art world.