The Mythical, the Maternal, and the Modern: The Art and Impact of Mari Salmonson

August 5, 2025

Mari Salmonson is a multidisciplinary Brazilian artist, curator, and cultural communicator whose work is an ode to memory, identity, and transformation. Her visual language emerges from the intersection of cordel aesthetics, Brazilian folklore, and feminist storytelling—blending myth, ancestry, and a deep sense of belonging into bold black-and-white lines and vibrant collaborative projects.

Born in São Paulo and raised in Araras, Mari draws heavily on the oral traditions and legends she heard on her grandparents’ farm. These childhood memories became her first maps of identity—expressed through drawings, murals, prints, exhibitions, and books that now travel across borders. Since 2019, she has lived in the United States, where she studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and expanded her practice internationally.

Folklore as Feminist Archive

Mari’s art often focuses on mythological female figures from Brazilian culture—Yara, Vitória Régia, Cuca, Caipora, Iansã, Bruxa Leka, and others—reclaiming them as embodiments of feminine power. Her 2021 project, released on March 8 in honor of International Women’s Day, featured original illustrations and narratives for each legend across her digital platforms.

The article "Artista plástica homenageia facetas do feminino no folclore brasileiro" by Cidade e Cultura described how Mari positions these characters as symbolic of resilience and transformation:

“They are facets of different women, each with their own way, attributes, and powers; it is a great mixture of our origins. Just like us!”

Curating Cultural Memory

Mari’s work as a curator is equally impactful. In 2020, she co-led the Narizinho 100 Anos centennial celebration of Monteiro Lobato’s iconic children’s book A menina do narizinho arrebitado. Alongside Cleo Monteiro Lobato (the author’s great-granddaughter), Mari organized exhibitions, illustrated panels, and roundtables focused on female characters in Lobato’s universe.

This project was featured in:

As a panelist, Mari also participated in discussions on the representation of characters like Emília, Tia Nastácia, and Dona Benta, highlighting how art can reinterpret and reinvigorate cultural narratives through a feminist lens.

Fashion Meets Folklore

In 2022, Mari’s artwork reached the catwalk at São Paulo Fashion Week N54, in collaboration with TA Studios. Her prints—evocative of cordel and tropical flora—appeared on garments blending Brazilian tradition and contemporary design.

This moment was featured by:

Her stylized visuals brought visual storytelling from the mural to the runway, expanding her reach into wearable art and design.

Illustrated Music and Literary Curatorship

Mari’s collaboration on the music video Lavadeira do Rio with Coral da USP and singer Lenine marked a milestone in audiovisual storytelling. The video was entirely drawn in cordel style by Mari, as featured in the article "Vídeo da música 'Lavadeira do Rio' de Lenine é 100% desenhado em estilo de cordel" by Agenda Cultural do Recife.

Additionally, she was invited by the children's brand POMAR to curate a list of books for National Children's Book Day. Her selections—highlighted in SEGS and Vida e Ação—reflect her commitment to nurturing cultural roots in early childhood.

Artistic Philosophy and Expression

Mari’s artist statement, published in her Mais Art Galeria profile, captures her purpose:

"What started as a hobby became increasingly strong and present in my life: drawing! I illustrated campaigns, shop windows, murals, and graffiti. I also participated in Sofar Sounds São Paulo events... When they ask me what my profession is, I answer: dream fulfiller."

This ethos is visible in her murals for the Casa de Cultura do Butantã, her illustrations for children’s books like Doutor Sapo: A Aventura com Francisco, and her live-painting sessions during pandemic-era events like Art at Home.

If you want to stay updated on Mari’s next exhibitions, new book releases (including the upcoming English version of Dr. Sapo), and creative collaborations, sign up for her newsletter at marisalmonson.com.

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