Between Challenge and Innovation: The journey of a Brazilian Sculptor in the Contemporary World
I am Rosane Viegas, an inquisitive Brazilian sculptor and printmaker living in São Paulo, Brazil, who loves creating art with both conventional and unusual materials. The first 20 years of my life were spent living in various cities, which had a profound impact on my art. My sculptures convey emotions and movements, expressing elegance, ecstasy, sensuality, and sometimes my sculpture floats on the own shadow. They are a symphony of feelings, leading people to think and reflect on the strength and lightness they convey. My prints breathe, dance, tremble, and run. My works have rhythm and boldness, providing viewers with an unexpected and innovative perspective on ordinary landscapes and common people.
I have a degree in Civil Engineering and currently manage Casa Tamarindo, an art and culture space open for exhibitions where I promote art and cultural events, teach classes, and conduct research and experiments on art in general.
The theme "Here and Now: Tomorrow" is truly relevant as it addresses how today's actions and decisions shape a future of overwhelming changes. In times of global warming where environmental disasters have exceeded all predictions, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, the internet transforming the daily life of our society, remote work, globalization, automation, and intensive communication are redefining work, the economy, and society. It has never been more necessary to plan and think carefully about our decisions and actions—here and now—to ensure the survival of the planet and the continuity of our species. My Lucca Biennale's sculpture speaks precisely of the need to think and plan to build a viable future. This theme highlights the importance of the present as the foundation for the future, encouraging a critical analysis of how current actions have a direct and profound effect on what is to come.
I am a woodcut printmaker and bookbinder, so I have worked with paper for a long time. But I started making paper sculptures during the pandemic. Faced with the frustration of not being able to cast my clay sculptures in bronze or resin, I began working with the cardboard boxes available at home. Over time, I refined and perfected the technique through study and experimentation. I am in a permanent and continuous learning process, and my paper sculpture technique is constantly improved.
At Casa Tamarindo, we have two planned exhibitions: the first, a printing exhibition of amazing Japanese printmaker Matsushita Hokusai will take place in August/September. In October/November, we will have a collective exhibition of paper/cardboard sculptures, aiming to explore sustainability and material reuse. Both exhibitions will include lectures and workshops on the subject— at the first show, there will be workshops on color woodcut on reduction print, and at the sculpture exhibition, there will be workshops on sculpture with cardboard boxes.
For a Brazilian sculptor, creating art in the contemporary world involves unique challenges and opportunities, reflecting both the complexity of today's society and Brazil's artistic tradition. In a scenario where advanced technologies, social media, and global markets play a dominant role, the sculptor must balance innovation and tradition, the local and the global, the physical and the digital. The contemporary landscape also challenges the artist to position themselves relative to social, political, and environmental issues affecting Brazil and the world. Sculptures can be a powerful means of protest and reflection, addressing themes such as inequality, violence, environmental preservation, and cultural identity. In this sense, art becomes a vehicle of resistance, innovation, and transformation, echoing the voices and struggles of marginalized communities and promoting critical dialogue with the public.
The visibility and repercussion of art works are also enhanced by digital platforms. Social networks, portfolio websites, and virtual galleries allow Brazilian sculptors to exhibit their work globally, breaking geographical barriers and expanding possibilities for recognition and commercialization. However, this global exposure also brings the need for strategic image and brand management, as well as facing competition in an increasingly saturated art market.
Thus, being a Brazilian sculptor in the contemporary world is a dynamic endeavor that requires not only technical skill and creativity but also the ability to adapt to constant technological and sociocultural changes. The artist must be able to engage with the past and present, the local and global, turning challenges into opportunities and creating works that corroborate the complexity and beauty of today's world.
For those entering the artistic world now, I recommend Patience and Persistence. Art is a field that requires time and dedication, and results do not always come when we expect them. It is especially important to explore varied materials and techniques. Exploration is an essential part of the creative process and can lead to surprising discoveries. Never forget to seek inspiration from the works of other artists and the great masters. But make sure to maintain your originality, your own style, and your message.
It is also important to maintain a balance between Technique and Creativity. Perfect your techniques, but do not let them limit your creativity, innovating and challenging conventions. An essential piece of advice for the current landscape is to establish a network of contacts, connect with other artists, participate in exhibitions, and engage in artistic communities.
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