Bichos

Ivan Serpa’s 1965 artwork Bichos exemplifies his innovative approach within the mid-20th century Brazilian art scene. Serpa, a pivotal figure known for blending abstraction with representation, employs techniques aligned with Art informel, characterized by spontaneous, textured brushwork and an emphasis on materiality. The title Bichos, meaning “creatures” or “bugs” in Portuguese, directs attention toward organic forms that intersect with Serpa’s exploration of figurative elements. This fusion challenges traditional categorization, situating the work at the crossroads of abstraction and figuration, and underscoring Serpa’s contribution to modernist experimentation in Brazil.