We get off the beaten track and explore the most interesting art galleries in South America… From a jungle utopia to an abandoned prison, you’ll find art in the most unlikely of places on this continent!
Oficina Brennand
Recife, Brazil
The incredible sculptural landscape of Brennand’s garden (image via Wikipedia)
Oficina Brennand is the workshop and gallery and Pernambuco’s most beloved artist and ceramicist, Francisco Brennand. Built in the family’s old tile factory, the main gallery shows off Brennand’s surreal and erotic sculptures. The grounds are set in tropical forests, with a range of surprising temples and houses springing up to showcase his paintings. Brennand’s work is evident all over Recife, and a trip to the capital is incomplete without a visit to this fascinating gallery.
Hollywood in Cambodia
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The ever-changing roof terrace (image via Hollywood in Cambodia)
Buenos Aires is famous for its street art, but Hollywood in Cambodia is the first gallery dedicated to graffiti. The space was born when a group of alternative art collectives wanted to create somewhere to showcase the underground art of Buenos Aires. The walls are constantly changing, and there are exhibitions every month, as well as live demonstrations and projects to get the local community interested in street art, which has become such a huge part of the city’s tourism.
Inhotim
Near Belo Horizonte, Brazil
The beautiful landscape of Inhotim (image via flickr)
Inhotim, in Brumadinho, is one of our favourite art galleries in South America, and began life as a humble farmhouse, owned by Bernardo Paz. After a fascination with collecting contemporary artwork got out of hand, Paz transformed the land around his home into a stunning gallery and museum to showcase local artists’ work, as well as a beautiful botanical gardens to preserve the local flora and fauna. At over 5,000 acres, it can take days to explore the whole park, so Paz has plans for an official Inhotim hotel in the future…
Artesanías Las Pallas
Lima, Peru
Barranco is one of Lima’s artsy neighbourhoods
Las Pallas is a gem of a gallery, hidden in the Barranca District of Lima. Part shop, part gallery, part private collection, it shows off the best traditional folk art from all over Peru, focusing on the Coastal, Andean, and Jungle regions. Many of the craft pieces available to buy are of the highest quality, and are hard to come by elsewhere in the country. Mari Solari is the brains and artist behind Las Pallas, and she’s always more than happy to show visitors round, so don’t miss it!
Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo
Montevideo, Uruguay
Montevideo is an unlikely city for art galleries
Located in a renovated prison, Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo is not only a history lesson but also an impressive art gallery, and one of the best in Uruguay. It highlights local artists, as well as hosting exhibitions by internationally renowned artists and sculptors. The energy of the building gives the museum a unique feel, and is the perfect place to showcase the talent of this less-visited South American country.
More Museums and Art Galleries in South America…
South America is a continent of fantastic natural wonders, but for those rare rainy days it’s always good to have a back-up plan… For more museums and art galleries in South America, check out our Peru blog post.
