🗓 May 12–Jul 3, 2026
📍 Nara Roesler
🎟️ FREE
✨ on the nature of figures at Nara Roesler in New York brings together works by Amelia Toledo (1926–2017) and Cristina Canale (b. 1961) in a dialogue curated by Luis Pérez-Oramas. Though distinct in media and generation, the two Brazilian artists converge in their investigation of form in relation to nature — Toledo through the incorporation of natural materials and phenomena into sculpture and installation, Canale through dense chromatic fields where figures surge, dissolve, and constantly re-emerge.
Visiting the exhibition 'On the Nature of Figures' at Nara Roesler offers a unique opportunity to experience how contemporary Brazilian artists engage with natural forms and materials. Amelia Toledo's work fascinated me with its organic sculptural forms crafted from natural elements like wood and stones, creating installations that feel both timeless and deeply connected to the environment. In contrast, Cristina Canale's paintings captivated me with their intense use of color and fluid shapes that seem to breathe life, as figures emerge and dissolve within the dense chromatic fields. What I found truly enriching was the way these two artists, despite the difference in their generations and mediums, complement and challenge each other’s interpretations of nature. Toledo’s tangible, physical relationship to natural phenomena contrasts with Canale’s abstract and ephemeral representation of figures, yet both invite viewers to reflect on how nature shapes human perception and artistic expression. For art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this exhibition provides a thoughtful exploration of form and substance through a Brazilian lens, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation in art. Plus, the free entry at Nara Roesler makes it an accessible cultural experience in NYC. Whether you are familiar with these artists or discovering them for the first time, the exhibition encourages a personal connection to the natural world through artistic exploration.
