Brazilian printmaking legend strengthens artistic ties with Shenzhen

For more than a decade, Guanlan in Shenzhen has held a special place in the artistic world of Brazilian printmaking pioneer Maria Bonomi.

Now, the renowned artist — widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Latin American printmaking — has donated 13 print artworks to the Guanlan Printmaking Museum in Longhua District, adding a new chapter to the cultural dialogue between China and Brazil.

Maria Bonomi

The donation includes eight works by Bonomi herself and five by Brazilian artist Alexandre Teles. One of Bonomi’s works, "Bubbles," was shortlisted for the exhibition of nominees for the 2025 Guanlan International Print Biennial, which concluded in March this year.

Born in Italy in 1935, Bonomi moved to São Paulo as a child with her family during World War II. Over the following decades, she became a defining figure in Brazilian printmaking, helping shape generations of artists, scholars and educators across South America. Her artistic career spans printmaking, sculpture, mural art, costume design and stage design, though printmaking has remained at the center of her creative practice.

Her international rise began early. During a study trip to New York in the late 1950s, Bonomi held her first solo exhibition in the city, drawing attention from influential art critics and artists. According to published accounts of her career, Spanish surrealist master Salvador Dalí attended the exhibition, while coverage of her work appeared in The New York Times.

Works created by Maria Bonomi.

Bonomi has maintained a long and personal connection with China — especially with Guanlan. Her first visit to China dates back to 1974, when she traveled across the country as the only representative of Brazil’s art community in a Brazilian delegation. During the trip, she met celebrated Chinese printmakers Gu Yuan and Wu Biduan, exchanging views on art and culture.

Her relationship with Guanlan deepened in 2014, when her works were exhibited at Guanlan’s international printmaking programs. A year later, at the age of 80, Bonomi personally led a group of Brazilian printmakers to the Guanlan Printmaking Base for residency creation and artistic exchange.

Since then, she has continued to support Guanlan’s international printmaking initiatives, including the Guanlan International Print Biennial and academic forums connecting artists from different cultural backgrounds.

For Guanlan, the continuing relationship reflects the district’s growing role as one of China’s most internationally connected printmaking centers. Through artist residencies, exhibitions and global collaborations, Guanlan has built long-term ties with printmakers and institutions around the world. 

For Bonomi, the connection appears equally meaningful.

Now in her 90s, the artist remains active in international cultural exchange and continues to advocate for printmaking as a living, evolving art form. Her latest donation not only enriches Guanlan’s South American print collection, but also stands as a lasting symbol of artistic friendship between China and Brazil.

Works created by Maria Bonomi.