Maria Magdalena Martins
Art GalleryMaria Magdalena by Art Stories
Born in 1928 on the picturesque island of Florianópolis in the south of Brazil, Maria Magdalena grew up in the shadow of the Hercilio Luz Bridge, inaugurated just two years before her birth. She has borne witness to the various epochs of 'Floripa.' In the 1940s, she observed the city's primarily agricultural, fishing, and merchant-led economy, with the old market and Miramar as its heart—a theme she vividly captured in her paintings.
Maria Magdalena began honing her craft at the old 'Fabrica de Bordados', where she learned various skills that she'd carry with her throughout her life, including painting, cooking, knitting, and crocheting. Her artwork became her voice, expressing the myriad experiences and sights she absorbed during her more than 90 years on the island. Her collection features landscapes, nostalgic recollections from her youth, and diverse abstract works—all skillfully created with oil paints. These cherished pieces now adorn the homes of her extended family, from her children and grandchildren to cousins and nephews. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, her paintings echo her generous spirit and loving demeanor, cementing her legacy as a treasured mother and grandmother.