The Gomide&Co gallery on Avenida Paulista is unveiling a highly anticipated exhibition of rare works by Brazilian artist Antonio Dias, showcasing nine of his 'black paintings', which are believed to reflect a critique of Brazil's Carnival culture. This event comes at a time when São Paulo is buzzing with Carnival festivities, making the exhibition a contrasting yet compelling cultural offering. Gallery founder Thiago Gomide describes this exhibition as his most ambitious endeavor, emphasizing the importance and rarity of the artworks on show.

Antonio Dias, who spent a significant part of his life in Milan, created these artworks during a turbulent period marked by the aftermath of the 1968 protests in Paris and the Brazilian military dictatorship's AI-5 decree that forced many artists into exile. The exhibition features pieces sourced from the collection of Gió Marconi, whose father Giorgio represented Dias in Italy during the 1960s and 1970s. These pieces not only showcase Dias's artistic evolution but also serve as historical artifacts from an era of political unrest that influenced many creative expressions in Brazil and beyond.

With a projected value of R$ 25 million, the exhibition not only highlights the financial worth of Dias's works but also their cultural significance in understanding the socio-political context of Brazil's history. The contrast of presenting such a serious and reflective body of work against the vibrant backdrop of Carnival encourages visitors to engage with themes of protest and identity, making the exhibition an essential stop for art lovers and historians alike during this festive season.