Brazilian artists in London: connections that are worth discovering
Brazil and the United Kingdom have dynamic and thriving contemporary art scenes. But what happens when these two cultures intersect? To explore this question, we present a selection of three female artists based in London, offering insight into this creative fusion. At different stages in their careers, they showcase the richness and vibrancy of the Brazil-UK connection.
Brazilian artists can be found throughout the United Kingdom, but London stands out as a unique hub for creativity. The city not only boasts an impressive array of art galleries and museums but also some of the world’s leading art schools, which have shaped the careers of many artists, including the three featured here. These institutions provide training and exposure, helping to elevate their work onto the global stage. The artists are presented alphabetically.
Gabriela Giroletti has lived in London for over 14 years. Originally from southern Brazil, she developed her artistic career in the UK, attending Middlesex University and the Slade School of Fine Art, where she obtained an MFA in painting.
As a painter, she creates both small and large-scale works. They often reveal a tension between representation and abstraction, as they do not fully commit to depicting natural elements or purely non-representational forms. As I have written elsewhere, “Her paintings can be viewed as colourful, abstract, and organic; but they can also be seen as references to experience, decision, and time. Either way, they are broad and universal, requiring no additional history or narrative beyond what is presented on the canvas.” She describes her practice as “about the process, about the moment of painting.”
In London, she is represented by Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, which also operates in the United States and Germany. In late 2024, she began representation in Brazil with Leme Gallery, where her work is currently on display in São Paulo.
Paula Turmina is also originally from southern Brazil and has lived in London for over 11 years. Although she drew frequently before moving to the UK, it was there that she fully embraced being an artist professionally. She completed a BA in Painting at Wimbledon College of Fine Arts and an MFA in Painting at the Slade School of Fine Art.
As a multidisciplinary artist, she believes that, in her own words, “The core of my work is to explore the relationship between humans and other-than-human beings while considering the Earth as a body too.” Red hues feature prominently in her paintings, inspired by the brazilwood tree, which produces a red dye and gave Brazil its name. She sees colour as evocative, shaping history and emotion. In this sense, the red hues in her work can reference past histories, current climate issues, or even sci-fi visions of colonising Mars.
She will be part of a group exhibition opening on 22 March at Yehudi Hollander-Pappi Gallery in São Paulo.
Sophia Loeb has lived in London since 2017. She obtained a BA in Fine Art at Goldsmiths, University of London, and an MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art.
Primarily working with painting, her pieces vary in scale. She describes her work as “primordial sceneries unknown to humans,” adding, “I want the unseen to be seen.” The nature she portrays is far from idyllic or romanticised; instead, it is radiant, vibrant, and intense, carrying a unique energy. She seeks to reveal hidden layers of reality, creating visually compelling landscapes and compositions that appear to exist beyond familiar human experience.
She is represented by Pippy Houldsworth Gallery in London. In June, she will hold a solo exhibition at Carpintaria, the Rio de Janeiro branch of Fortes D’Aloia & Gabriel Gallery.
In conclusion, the works of these three Brazilian artists demonstrate the powerful connection between Brazil and the United Kingdom. Living and working in London, each has found a way to merge personal history with contemporary themes. Their presence in international galleries and exhibitions highlights the growing impact of Brazilian artists on the global art scene. By exploring their work, we gain insight into their individual creative journeys while witnessing the dynamic exchange between these two vibrant artistic communities. For those in Brazil, all three artists currently have or will have works on display in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro this year—don’t miss the opportunity to experience them.
Luis Sandes for London Art Walk
March 2025