The Munch Museum in Oslo has recently awarded Brazilian artist Rosana Paulino its inaugural Munch Award, an honor aimed at recognizing artistic freedom. The prize, which includes a monetary award of NOK 300,000 (equivalent to approximately €25,000), celebrates artists who demonstrate “courage and integrity” throughout their careers. This new award aligns with the museum’s goal to promote and protect freedom of expression, a legacy inspired by renowned Norwegian painter Edvard Munch.
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In a statement, museum director Tone Hansen emphasized the importance of supporting artists in today’s climate, where freedom of expression is increasingly under threat worldwide. Paulino, one of Brazil’s leading visual artists, focuses her work on social, ethnic, and gender issues, especially those affecting Black women in Brazil. Her art poignantly addresses the deep-rooted impact of racism and the historical legacy of slavery. Speaking about her work, Paulino highlighted the universal relevance of these themes, which resonate with the experiences of the African diaspora in various parts of the world, including Latin America, the United States, and Europe.
The award jury recognized Paulino’s diverse and evocative body of work, which includes installations, drawings, artist books, and video art. They praised her dedication to addressing critical issues surrounding art, history, and society, both within Brazil and on an international scale. Paulino’s work has been noted as central to important conversations on gender and race, and the jury also commended her as a pioneering figure within Black feminism and as an advocate for Afro-Brazilian communities.
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Paulino has expressed her intention to use a significant portion of the prize funds to establish the Rosana Paulino Institute. This planned institute, to be located in a working-class neighborhood of São Paulo similar to where she grew up, will function as an image library and research center documenting visual representations of Black individuals. Through this center, Paulino aims to create a lasting impact by offering a dedicated space for exploring and studying the cultural and historical representation of Black communities.
