Maria Helena Vieira da Silva was a Portuguese painter celebrated for her pioneering work in abstract art. Born in Lisbon and based in Paris from 1928, she became a key figure in the European avant-garde movement. Studying at the Escola de Belas-Artes in Lisbon and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière and Académie Ranson in Paris, her early work was influenced by Cubism and Surrealism. Known for her intricate compositions and unique visual language, Vieira da Silva's paintings feature complex patterns and dynamic spatial interactions. She exhibited widely in Europe and the U.S., with works in major collections like the Centre Pompidou and Tate Modern. Besides her artistic achievements, she was an influential teacher at institutions such as the École des Beaux-Arts. Her innovative approach and exploration of abstract forms continue to be celebrated globally.