Roberto Burle Marx

Roberto Burle Marx was a renowned Brazilian landscape architect, celebrated for his contributions to park and garden design, alongside his talents as a painter, printmaker, ecologist, naturalist, artist, and musician, which earned him global acclaim.

Biography of Roberto Burle Marx

Roberto Burle Marx was born in 1909 in São Paulo. When he was 4 years old, his family moved to Rio de Janeiro.

His initial passion for landscaping emerged during his time studying painting in Germany, where frequent visits to the Botanical Garden in Berlin acquainted him with Brazil's diverse native flora. Upon his return to Brazil in 1930, he embarked on collecting plants from his surroundings. Subsequently, in 1930, he pursued his studies at the National School of Fine Arts in Rio, specializing in visual arts under the tutelage of Leo Putz and Candido Portinari.

In 1932, Burle Marx created his first landscape design for a private residence by architects Lucio Costa and Gregori Warchavchik. His acclaim soared in 1937 when he garnered international recognition and admiration for his abstract roof garden design for the Ministry of Education building.

In 1955, Roberto Burle Marx established his own landscape studio and concurrently launched a landscape company. The following year, he expanded his presence by inaugurating an office in Caracas, Venezuela. Collaborating with architects Jose Tabacow and Haruyoshi Ono from 1968 onwards, Marx undertook projects across Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and various other South American nations. His influence extended globally, with commissions in France, South Africa, Washington, and Los Angeles.

The artist often dedicated time to exploring and studying the Brazilian forests firsthand. Burle Marx emerged as one of the earliest voices in Brazil to advocate against deforestation.

Roberto Burle Marx died in 1994. 

Roberto Burle Marx's Art Style

Burle Marx's artistic style epitomized avant-garde modernism, exuding a timeless and impeccable quality. Influenced by cubism, abstractionism, and Brazilian folk art, his designs reflected a rich tapestry of inspirations.

Nature served as a primary muse for Burle Marx, evident in his meticulous attention to detail. He adhered to principles such as never mixing flower colors, employing large clusters of the same species, and incorporating native plants to transform rocky landscapes into gardens. His profound interest in each plant's character and its collective impact on the garden underscored his deep connection to nature.

He ingeniously employed grand scale, lighting, and reflection, especially through water features, in his designs. Roberto Burle Marx seamlessly integrated the architectural elements of buildings with the surrounding gardens. His preference for public spaces stemmed from his belief that they could offer dignity to the masses.