Our father’s passion for art has been present in our lives since we were kids. We heard many stories about his friendship with Pancetti, the receptions held in Cosme Velho to present his artworks, the creative process for many of Portinari’s paintings as seen on his many visits to the artist’s studio, and the paints sent to Guignard so he would spare no colors in his canvases.
Driven by his love of art and his belief in the talent of Brazilian artists, he would acquire artworks directly from the painters and sculptors he considered promising. Or, as he would say, because he liked their work, for the emotions it evoked in him. He would visit art biennials and salons, galleries and studios, but he would also acquire canvases and sculptures to help an artist in difficulties.
Throughout his life he put together an important collection on Brazilian Modernism, even though it also contains relevant works by foreign artists. He liked to show his collection to the public and was happy to lend his artworks to national and international exhibitions. He would often remark that one of his greatest satisfactions was to see school children visiting an exhibition. He believed that art and education go hand-in-hand.
By inaugurating the Instituto Casa Roberto Marinho with this exhibition, we are convinced that the collection he formed reinforces many essential principles of Grupo Globo: its belief in the value of Brazilian culture; its continuous focus on talent, quality and innovation; its passion for communication in all its dimensions; its commitment to art as a means of enchanting, educating people and enriching their lives; and its efforts for a better future, doing all his best to construct it.
Roberto Irineu, João Roberto and José Roberto
