Born in Italy in 1942, Anna Maria Maiolino immigrated to Venezuela in 1954 before settling in Brazil in 1960. She became a central figure in the Brazilian contemporary art scene, emerging during a period of significant political and social transition. Her early work was deeply influenced by the New Figuration movement, though she quickly transitioned toward more conceptual and experimental forms of expression.

Maiolino is widely recognized for her signature use of clay, which she molds into organic, repetitive shapes that evoke bodily forms and domestic labor. Her practice often involves performance and installation, where the physical act of creating becomes as significant as the final object. She frequently utilizes monochromatic palettes and seriality to investigate the relationship between the individual and the collective.

Her work has been the subject of major international retrospectives and is held in the permanent collections of prominent institutions worldwide. She continues to be a vital voice in contemporary art, with her practice consistently bridging the gap between traditional craft and avant-garde conceptualism.