Waldemar Cordeiro. Exact Phantasy

For two years, the artist Analivia Cordeiro worked on a documentary film about her father, the Italian-Brazilian artist Waldemar Cordeiro. In conjunction with the ZKM exhibition marking Cordeiro’s 100th birthday, ZKM is presenting »Waldemar Cordeiro – Exact Fantasy«, followed by a discussion with the director.

The film by Analivia Cordeiro provides profound insights into the life and work of a visionary artist. Waldemar Cordeiro (1925–1973) is regarded as a key figure in Brazilian Concrete Art and a pioneer of computer art. Through personal narratives and eyewitness accounts from historians, artists, and contemporaries, a multifaceted portrait emerges—tracing his journey from classical training in Rome to his formative role in the Brazilian avant-garde and his groundbreaking experiments with digital media.

As both an artist and theorist, Cordeiro merged art with technology and social engagement. His works and writings radically challenged traditional artistic concepts, advocating for art as a means of social responsibility. Beyond his artistic practice, he had a lasting impact on urban Brazil as a landscape architect and urban planner.

Conversation

Following the screening, artist Analivia Cordeiro will join Margit Rosen (ZKM) to discuss the making of the film and the life and work of her father. How did an artist who left behind such a diverse and extensive body of work approach his creative process? What were his expectations for the artistic use of new technologies? These and other questions will offer fresh perspectives on his artistic vision.

The film, shot in Portuguese and English, will be shown with German subtitles. The subsequent conversation with Analivia Cordeiro will be held in English.

»Waldemar Cordeiro – Fantasia Exata«
Duration: 1 hr 7 min
Language: Portuguese, English (with German subtitles)
Concept: Gregoire Cordeiro Belhassen
Screenplay & Direction: Analivia Cordeiro
Production: Analivia Cordeiro, Luciana Brito Galeria, Luli Hunt Cidadania Corporativa
Consulting: Bob Wolfenson
Music: Rodolpho Grani Jr
Editing: Matheus Gonçalves