Arts and Crafts

The proprietors of Amoa Konoya (Rua João Moura 1002, Jardim América, tel. 11/3061-0639, www.amoakonoya.com.br [1], 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.) travel throughout Brazil [2], visiting remote indigenous communities whose artisans create the pottery, basketry, art works, musical instruments, carvings, and ornaments sold in this charming boutique.

Galeria Brasiliana (Rua Artur de Azevedo 520, Jardim América, tel. 11/3086-4273, www.galeriabrasiliana.com.br [3], 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.) is widely reputed for its impressive collection of contemporary Brazilian folk art. Among its wares are sculptures, paintings, engravings, toys, masks, and other objects made by artisans from all over the country. Although these aren’t cheap trinkets, the quality is exceptional.

More affordable and funky are the exclusive artistic and design objects at O Design Animado (Rua Fidalga 182, Vila Madalena, tel. 11/3815-6841, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.). While some of the works are signed by consecrated art world names, others are made by discovered talents such as Jonas, a street kid responsible for the inspired airplanes, cars, and Afro-Brazilian orixás fashioned out of recycled aluminum cans.

Galleries

São Paulo [4] has the most important art gallery scene in Brazil. Galleries are concentrated in Jardins [5] and Vila Madalena [6], and as you’re strolling around you’re bound to stumble upon at least a handful.

Galeria Luisa Strina (Rua Oscar Freire 502, Jardim Paulista, tel. 11/3088-2471, www.galerialuisastrina.com.br [7], 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.) is a São Paulo pioneer on the gallery circuit. Strina’s daring and distinguished collection features important Brazilian contemporary artists working in a wide range of mediums.

Reputed as a champion of up-and-coming Brazilian artists is Galeria Fortes Vilaça (Rua Fradique Coutinho 1500, Vila Madalena, tel. 11/3032-7066, www.fortesvilaca.com.br [8], 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Tues.–Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.), who also represents major names such as Vik Muniz and Beatriz Milhazes.

Photography fans should check out Espaço Ophicina (Rua Aspicuelta 329, Vila Madalena, tel. 11/3813-8466, www.espaco-ophicina.com.br [9], 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sat.), which exhibits and sells intriguing works by São Paulo photographers.