Gael Rocha is a visual artist residing in the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES) and is a multimedia technician graduate of Ceet Vasco Coutinho. He has been active in the Espírito Santo art scene since 2021, building a poetic framework of narratives that bring forward his memories, resistance, ancestry, and social denunciations.
Initially starting with performance and photography, he moved through various languages including installation and graffiti before establishing himself in painting. Over the years, Rocha has created a narrative centered on his experiences within the communities of Greater Vitória and denunciations against the veiled racism in Brazilian society. He has participated in collective exhibitions at venues such as the Hélio Oiticica Cultural Center (RJ), the Federal Justice Cultural Center of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), and the Anchieta Palace (ES).
How did your journey into the art world begin?
My contact with art came through childhood memories, specifically when I visited an art gallery for the first time at age 8 to see a Miró exhibition. Later, in my teens, I was influenced by a high school friend who designed clothes; he taught me everything he knew. From there, I began painting abstract canvases using the works of Joan Miró as a reference. My family always supported my artistic career, especially my grandmother Cladir, who was always telling me to pursue fine arts.
What themes do you prefer to explore in your works?
I seek to portray historical and current themes, always bringing forth a critique, reflection, or denunciation of racism and state abuse.
What is your creative process like?
For two years, I have been conducting research into the shade of purple, portraying Black people in this tone. Centuries ago, purple was difficult to find; it was precious, used only by royalty and the church clergy. It symbolized power, mystery, and something unique linked to the sacred. I use this color to represent Black people; after centuries of torture and the demonization of African culture, we can now view it through a new reality.
What materials and techniques do you use most often?
I work with various materials, ranging from gouache, watercolor, and oil to using coffee filter paper as a canvas.
What is the role of the artist in today's society?
The artist plays a fundamental role in critical thinking and in raising debates within society. Through art, questions are posed—it is a political process starting from the choice of materials to the themes and presentation. The artist acts as a creator, a questioner, a communicator, and a transformer, contributing to cultural, social, political, and environmental reflections.