ArtRio international art fair opens doors in Brazil, with focus on domestic artists

RIO DE JANEIRO – ArtRio, the fair that has put Rio de Janeiro on the art world’s map, has opened its latest show with exhibits from 99 top galleries from Brazil and beyond.

The fair’s fourth edition includes such prestigious international galleries as London’s White Cube, New York’s David Zwirner and Gagosian, which has galleries in art capitals including New York, Paris and London.

While the show includes pieces from international artists such as Damien Hirst and Antoni Tapies, Brazilian artists are the uncontested stars. Rio-based painter Beatriz Milhazes, Brazil’s highest grossing artist, has several pieces in the event as does photographer Custodio Coimbra.

Organizers expect 50,000 visitors, made up of about 80 per cent Brazilians and 20 per cent foreigners.

ArtRio runs from Thursday through Sunday at Rio’s Pier Maua in the city’s historic downtown.