Author Description

In this book, Paula Braga shares with readers the pleasure of circulating through the universe of contemporary art. The modos de usarʺ (ways of using) listed by the author go a long way from stereotypes about galleries and vernissages: exclusive environments frequented by fine, elegant and sincere people, willing to disburse scandalous ciphers in works destined for the enjoyment of a small circle of connoisseurs. Paula Braga wastes no time with egos, gossip or picket. When analyzing works by renowned creators such as Hélio Oiticica, Cildo Meireles, Carlos Zílio and Beatriz Milhazes, in addition to lesser-known names of the general public, she wants to discuss the ways in which art affects and is affected by reality. Each chapter has two moments: first comes a chronicle, in which Paula Braga releases her instigating and stripped prose, flirting with self-fiction; then, and in dialogue with the text that precedes it, we come across a critical essay, more academic, but nothing brainyʺ. The combination of styles holds people's hand in a random roll through the maze of contemporary art, without conductive yarn.