Modernity in Black and White
Art and Image, Race and Identity in Brazil, 1890–1945

'Tackling persistent myths related to key topics of Brazilian society - favela and carnival, race and identity - Modernity in Black and White enlivens the debate on a crucial period of the nation’s cultural modernization. Rafael Cardoso rekindles the embers of Brazil’s modernist battles, balancing argument with analysis, solidity with enthusiasm.' Roberto Conduru, Endowed Distinguished Professor of Art History, Southern Methodist University

'Rafael Cardoso takes his readers into the fascinating world of artistic innovation in Rio de Janeiro during the early decades of the twentieth century, revealing the engagement of a diverse community of artists with modernism and popular culture. The result is a study of the visual arts that rethinks the question of race, and that explodes prevailing narratives about the birthplace of Brazilian modernism.' Barbara Weinstein, New York University

'… excellent book.' Benjamin Moser, The European Review of Books

‘Cardoso’s insightful revision highlights new areas for further research.’ ReVista

‘Rafael Cardoso’s book comes in the wake of numerous initiatives, editorial and curatorial (academic or non-academic) dedicated to the revision of modernisms (plural, since they are in fact multiple) in Brazil, in light of post-colonial theories and through the perspective of a global art history.’ Ana Gonçalves Magalhães, Figura: Studies on the Classical Tradition

‘Modernity in Black and White is an important work for reflecting upon the construction of Brazilian identity from a broader perspective on the notion of modernism.’ Flávio Thales Ribeiro Francisco, ARS

‘… elegantly written and meticulously researched study … Essential.’ E. Douglas, Choice Magazine

‘… Modernity in Black and White is unique for its art historical perspective: topics long discussed now receive a long due scholarly fundament in a discipline still incipient in the country.’ Laura Ammann, Sehepunkte

‘… destined to become a classic in the historiography of Brazilian cultural modernity.’ Christopher Dunn, Published in Journal: Afro-Ásia