Julio Primeiro (CE), 1983, lives and works in Rio de Janeiro. His childhood was marked by living alongside numerous animals and the natural riches of the suburb where he grew up, providing him with a visceral experience of the cycles of birth, life, and death.
The artist possesses a vast technical mastery passed down by his father, who involved him in hobbies and tasks such as woodworking, electrical work, and mechanics. His interests encompass natural cycles and flows, the human-driven alterations to wildlife, and the intersection of these topics with science.
In his sculptures, he utilizes materials such as wood, seeds, paper, resin, and fabric. He has an academic background in Product Design and studied at the Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage under the guidance of professors Marcus Bonisson and Franz Manata.
What themes do you prefer to explore in your works?
My pieces partly explore the cycles of life, addressing the flow between life and death, and how nature interacts with and overlaps man-made artifacts. Recently, I have come across fascinating research by Stefano Mancuso, Monica Gagliano, and Emanuele Coccia, who investigate plant intelligence, revealing how surprising and underestimated they are. These scientific experiments confirm my perception that life and nature are full of mysteries. Through my work, I seek to express how I see this vital force, creating sculptures that capture this essence.
What are your sources of inspiration?
The work of Frans Krajcberg, who used wood from the Amazon—including from burned areas—had a profound impact on my artistic approach. His critique of environmental destruction through expressive sculptures inspires me to use organic materials to convey messages about the fragility and resilience of nature. Similarly, Ângelo Venosa, who also works with materials that dialogue with mine, brings an exploration of the organic and the geometric that resonates with my search for forms that integrate natural elements and visual metaphors. These influences feed my desire to explore the intersection of art, nature, and matter.
