Early Life and Education
- Birth and Origins: Edith Behring was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on January 17, 1916.
- Artistic Training: She received foundational training in drawing and painting from the renowned Brazilian artist Candido Portinari. This mentorship significantly influenced her early artistic development.
- Formal Education: Behring pursued formal art education, earning a degree in Art Education from the Universidade do Distrito Federal. This academic background complemented her practical studio training.
Career Development and Influences
- Early Teaching Experience: From 1944 to 1950, Behring lived in Belo Horizonte where she taught drawing at the Escola Guignard. This period exposed her to diverse artistic currents.
- Continued Studies: Upon returning to Rio de Janeiro, she furthered her studies with Axl Leskoschek and Carlos Oswald at the Fundação Getúlio Vargas, broadening her artistic perspective.
- International Exposure: In 1953, Behring was awarded a scholarship to study painting in Paris. However, she shifted her focus to metal engraving during this time, studying with Flávio Shiró, João Luís Chaves and Mário Carneiro.
- Key Influences: Her work reflects influences from Brazilian Modernism and European art movements, blending local themes with international styles. She was inspired by the works of Portinari as well as contemporary European artists.
Artistic Style and Major Achievements
- Exhibition History: Behring’s career included numerous solo exhibitions in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Paris, and Rome. She actively showcased her work internationally.
- Biennial Participation: She was a regular participant in the São Paulo Art Biennial from 1957 to 1967, gaining recognition among prominent Brazilian artists.
- Awards and Recognition: In 1980, she received an award for best individual exhibition by the Associação Paulista de Críticos de Arte, acknowledging her artistic merit.
- Artistic Characteristics: Her style is characterized by bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and exploration of themes related to nature, human figures, and abstract forms. She worked in various mediums including painting, engraving, and woodcut.
Legacy and Historical Significance
- Impact on Art Education: Behring played a significant role in shaping the Brazilian art education system, inspiring future generations of artists and educators. She helped establish the engraving studio at the Museum of Modern Art, Rio de Janeiro.
- Museum Collections: Her work is held in various museums and private collections, including the Museu de Arte de São Paulo and the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, ensuring her artistic legacy endures.
- Continued Relevance: Edith Behring’s contributions to Brazilian Modernism continue to be studied and appreciated. Her work provides valuable insight into the evolution of art in Brazil during the 20th century.
- Behring passed away in Rio de Janeiro in 1996, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists today.
