Zezão began his quest to conquer the underworld with graffiti in São Paulo in the 90s. Inspired and motivated by the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Zezão believed it was his right to depart from the well-trodden paths with his art and to explore new avenues. Working in sewerage systems, drains, the rubble of abandoned ruined buildings, dilapidated blind alleys and dark spaces below viaducts, he drew attention to a cityscape whose existence many people could barely credit.
Some time later he broadened his activities: taking everyday objects from the trash to give them a new existence by inventively assembling and painting them. Even now, for his wood collages he uses objects found in the street such as pieces of lumber used for barricades in São Paulo, or creates the foundation using old “treasures” like mirrors, trays, car doors, bedsteads...
He always leaves his trademark on the dilapidated, isolated surfaces - his blue, abstract signature derived from the word “vício”, meaning “addiction”, and thus delves into what appears to be true life. He brings to light what would remain ignored without his art, what nobody wants to see. In this way he uses delicate tints and shapes to descend into a chaotic underworld, invading the subterranean space, and by contrast revives its raw walls in a subtle, quintessentially blue presence.
Art close to trash, dead dogs and broken pieces of furniture, at the margins of society – Zezão inspires dialogue between the underworld and the surface, to get talked about.
Wherever trash (Brazilian: lixo) needs to be turned into luxury (Brazilian: luxo) – this is where Zezão’s work comes into its own. It contains political and social messages and ones which relate to the environment. Through its connection with dilapidated neighborhoods, derelict buildings, contaminated water, smog and filth, violence, or the recycling of discarded objects, his art makes a critical statement about these diverse problems of the city. At the same time important debates on issues such as sustainability and recycling are kindled. He has already had numerous exhibitions in his home country, Brazil, in particular in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. His graffiti also adorn walls, sewerage systems and viaducts around the world. Places in which he has exhibited in the past include Brighton, Florenz, Frankfurt, Hamburg, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Prag, Wuppertal...
Solo shows
2019
2018
2017
2016
2014
Prior to 2014
Collective shows
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013-2011
