Two Emblematic Exhibitions

Abstract

This essay deals with the correlation between two exhibitions that were emblematic for the study of modern architecture during the years of 1920-30, that took place in Paris and in Rio de Janeiro. The first one, named “L’architecture et les arts qui s’y rattachent” was promoted by the architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, in 1924, in Paris; the second one, organized by Lucio Gosta, was named “Salão Revolucionário” and was held in 1931. Both of the exhibitions were organized by the architects and professors of academic institutions for architecture, respectively, Costa who was the principal at the “Escola Nacional de Belas Artes” and Mallet-Stevens, of the “École Spéciale d’Archicteture”. This essay aims to demonstrate the similarities that both exhibitions share with each other. The comparison of the results of both experiences deserves to be analyzed in depth. Both resulted from rapid incursions of the architects – Mallet-Stevens, in Paris, and Costa, in Rio de Janeiro, - the first one as a professor and the second one as principal of conservative academic institutions. The attempts, in both cases, of revamping the artistic debate, ended up with the destitution of Mallet-Stevens and Costa of their respective positions as professor and principal. Nevertheless, the repercussion of the two exhibitions in the local cultural and artistic communities was substantial, fomenting the dissemination of the modern.