ArtRio 2012: The Second Annual Fair Reflects Brazil's Growing Presence In The Contemporary Art World (SLIDESHOW)

Are you ready for ArtRio? The four day international contemporary art fair will showcase more than 100 collections of galleries from around the world on September 13, 2012. "As one of the major art fairs in Latin America," ArtRio spans over an enormous 80,730 square feet and is spread throughout four different warehouses on the beautiful Guanabara Bay.

Created by Brenda Valansi, Elisangela Valadares, Alexandre Accioly, and Luiz Calainho, ArtRio has only expanded after last year's success. 120 galleries are expected at this year's fair, half of which will be international galleries, with over 60,000 visitors. As Luiz Calainho notes in the press release, "The annual calendar of events and initiatives of ArtRio will consolidate the position of the City of Rio de Janeiro among the most creative in the world, comprising a select group currently including Berlin, New York, Barcelona, and London as the most important destinations. More than merely an event, ArtRio will be present in the City’s daily routine, at every corner of Rio, in its landscaping, communication outlets, as well as its economic discussions. We will highlight the artistic value of Rio de Janeiro as a style of life, knowledge and investment.”

Participating galleries which were approved by a committee of curators include David Zwirner, White Cube and Gagosian Gallery, which will be taking 80 pieces by 30 different artists to the fair. "As Brazil’s contemporary artists passed the $1 million mark, Gagosian has seen an increase in inquiries from the country’s collectors about international artists in that price range" New York-based Gagosian director Victoria Gelfand-Magalhaes told Bloomberg News.

We've put together a slideshow of 10 Brazilian artists to know that should get you excited about Brazil's growing contemporary arts scene.

Have anyone to add to the list? Let us know in the comments section below.