Published by MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art), the book brings together the most extensive collection of the artist’s work ever published in a single volume. The editorial design uses two distinct types of paper: an uncoated for the textual sections and a heavier coated paper for the portfolio of paintings and the opening section, dedicated to posters created by the artist.

Each text page is framed by a red border that bleeds to the edges of the book, visually organizing the different sections of the catalogue. The typographic palette combines Lineal–an open-source geometric sans-serif typeface used for titles and inspired by symbols from Afro-diasporic religious traditions, often present in Nascimento’s work–with Signifier, a brutalist serif typeface chosen for body text, captions, and credits. Its geometric serifs resonate with the artist’s aesthetic, balancing elegance and readability.

Designed as a bilingual edition, the book is presented in two cover versions, reinforcing its inclusive character. The presence of both the Brazilian and American flags functions not only as a graphic element but also as a narrative device, highlighting Abdias Nascimento’s cultural and political contributions in both countries.
 

Masp, 2022
Organization: Adriano Pedrosa, Amanda Carneiro
Photos: Nino Andrés

AIGA 50/50 – 50 books | 50 covers [winner, 2022]