Biography

Manabu Mabe was a prominent Japanese-Brazilian painter, born on September 14, 1924, in Japan and later emigrating to Brazil. He initially worked as a vendor of hand-painted ties in São Paulo before fully dedicating himself to his art. Mabe gained significant recognition in the late 1950s, winning top awards in São Paulo's Contemporary Art Salon and the São Paulo Bienal, as well as receiving honors at Paris's first biennial for artists under 35. His style is characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, often reflecting a blend of Japanese and Brazilian influences. Mabe's works are held in high esteem and are part of the permanent collections of several prestigious institutions, including the São Paulo Contemporary Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum in Rio de Janeiro, and international venues like the Boston Contemporary Art Museum. His paintings, particularly his still lifes in oil on canvas, are noted for their expressive quality. Mabe passed away in São Paulo on September 22, 1997, but his legacy continues to be celebrated in the art world, making his works highly sought after by collectors.