Maria Helena Vieira da Silva

Maria Helena Vieira da Silva was a French painter of Portuguese origin, born in Lisbon in 1908 and passing away in 1992. She was a prominent figure in the Art Informel movement, known for her complex compositions that often explored themes of space and perspective. Vieira da Silva moved to Paris in 1928, where she studied under Fernand Léger and Roger Bissière, and became a naturalized French citizen in 1956. Her work is characterized by intricate, grid-like structures that evoke architectural and urban landscapes, contributing significantly to post-war European abstraction. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including the Grand Prix National des Arts in 1966, and her paintings are held in major collections worldwide. Vieira da Silva's legacy is marked by her innovative approach to abstraction and her influence on subsequent generations of artists.