Roberto Burle Marx (1909-1994), leading landscape architect of the 20th century, was also Brazil’s most versatile and prolific artist. His office in Rio de Janeiro functioned much like a Renaissance workshop: in addition to landscape projects, carried out on four continents, he produced canvas paintings, murals, lithographs, and tapestry and jewelry designs. Burle Marx was an outspoken conservationist and avid plant collector, introducing into his gardens new plant species gathered during expeditions to different phyto-geographic regions of Brazil, as well as during his travels abroad. For all aspects of his work he received international rewards, including doctorates from the Royal Academies of Art in London and in Holland, the Fine Arts Medal from the American Institute of Architects (1965), and the ASLA Medal of Honor (1985).

Artist Statement: Though primarily known for is work as a landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx received formal training as a painter and painted abstracts throughout his lifetime. For Roberto Burle Marx, creating landscapes was "a marvellous art" (The Gardens of Roberto Burle Marx, 1991). When viewing his paintings, it is interesting to compare their modernist style to the approach that he takes to landscape design. His abstract artworks explore the relationship between man and nature, a theme ever present as humans seek to be proper stewards of the natural world.