Basquiat

About Richard Brandao

Through his dot-painting technique, Richard Brandão allows us to experience a unique form of perception. In his work, the artist shows how life consists of a series of isolated moments. The roots for the “fragmented” sensory… Read more

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Through his dot-painting technique, Richard Brandão allows us to experience a unique form of perception. In his work, the artist shows how life consists of a series of isolated moments.

The roots for the “fragmented” sensory perception date back to the artist’s childhood. Having moved frequently as a child, Brandão became familiar with new surroundings, soaking up peculiarities singular to the countless people, routines, and places he encountered.

We can experience this concept of fragmentation when we visually connect the individual elements in Brandão’s work. Viewing the pieces from close up, we see intriguing, colorful dots resembling an abstract work. With every step back, however, the faces of famous pop icons crystallize. In this way, it is a playful examination of how the unfamiliar becomes familiar, a transformation only possible from a certain distance.

Richard Brandão’s acrylic paintings are a fascinating demonstration of the importance and influence of proximity when it comes to our perceptions.

VITA

Artist Richard Brandão was born in 1980 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. A self-taught artist, Brandão first began to paint at the age of twelve. Brandão was confronted with the incredible diversity of Brazil at an early age as a result of moving frequently from city to city. His art has featured in numerous exhibitions in Brazil and other countries around the world.

Exhibitions

2018	Preview, Fortaleza, Brazil
2017	Vivacidade, São Paulo, Brazil
	New Portfolio, Galeria Eykones, São Paulo, Brazil

INTERVIEW

Picasso once said, “you don’t make art, you find it.” Where do you find your art?

I find art in everyday life – through conversations with friends, interactions with nature, and moments by the sea. My art derives from vague thoughts, times of joy, and also times of sadness. I continuously view the world with a vision of art.

From an idea to its materialization: How do you approach your work?

I am a self-taught multidisciplinary artist. The ideas behind my series of works typically come to life while I’m working on another project. I spend time contemplating the symbolism of a series and create several mental sketches before I materialize my work on canvas or paper.

What is your favorite book?

Ensaio sobre a Cegueira by José Saramago.

Which artist would you like to have coffee with and what would you discuss?

I would have coffee with Banksy! I'm an admirer of his work and I identify a lot with his technique! Several series of mine employ the use of stencils. I would certainly praise Banksy’s work but, more importantly we could discuss artistic techniques, the effect of historical negationism among rulers, and the global importance of art in conveying messages of hope.

How did you get into art?

I started drawing by chance at the age of 9, where I participated in a drawing contest! Until then, life was pretty normal for me! At the age of 12 I completed my first painting and, consequently, fell in love with art. Despite having painted for so long, I kept my art entirely anonymous because I didn't believe my works could one day gain as much notoriety as they have! Only in 2016 did I begin displaying my art publicly via social media. I held my first exhibition in São Paulo in 2017 and, from then on, my art has gained attention around the world. My works have been on display throughout Europe as well as the United States and Canada.

Who are the people in your surroundings that influence you?

Everything around me is eventually incorporated into my art in some way, shape, or form. Friends, colleagues, family, animals, architecture, etc.

Imagine you have a time machine. Where would you go?

I would go to the 80's and enjoy my childhood more. Before traveling back to the present day I would tell myself: Trust your instincts!

Other than art, what are you most passionate about?

I'm passionate about life, my family, my love, and music - I can't live without music!

What are you working on right now?

I'm working on a pop series called "Hypnotic" where lights and lines interact to form abstract images that materialize into figures when regarded from afar. Parallel to this, I am working on an abstract series called "No Fundo do Mar". The latter is a poetic tale in art form.