Delson Uchôa: Lume-Nume

An exhibition of artist Delson Uchôa’s work will be held at Luciana Brito Galeria from 30 June to 31 July 2009, featuring four paintings never before shown in São Paulo. The show is especially significant at this moment in light of the artist’s participation in the world renowned 53rd Biennale di Venezia, as well as the release of an amply illustrated book concerning his oeuvre, with texts by Agnaldo Farias and Jacopo Crivelli Visconti.

Delson Uchôa has a very unique way of working with colors, having been described by art critic Paulo Herkenhoff as one of Brazil’s foremost investigators in the use of color. His works are celebrations of color by way of paintings with monumental dimensions, which are not appreciated only through one’s eyes, but with one’s entire body. In them, transparency, luminosity, texture, chromatic exploration and scales are interrelated. The artist has stated that he works with light “with the identity of someone who lives in the tropics,” commenting on the exuberance and the privilege of being on Brazil’s east coast.

Displayed in ways that make them seem to be springing off the wall or falling on the floor, the artworks embrace the spectator, who also becomes a participant. By their wealth of details, texture and size, these artworks beckon for the viewer’s touch, which the artist often allows.

Because of its myriad details, a work by Delson Uchôa takes years to be considered finished. He experiences his paintings daily before they seduce the viewers/participants. According to the artist, “I’m interested in the wear and tear of circulation, the signs of the passage of time, the scratches on the furniture... The dwelling of the painting and all the elements that compose it.” Like many artists of his generation, he explored the freedom of painting’s reinvention. His unique process of painting will be presented in the video "Delson Uchôa – Work in Progress".

Recognized and admired in the art world, Delson Uchôa was part of the Historical Segment of the 24th Bienal de São Paulo. He participated in the emblematic exhibition Como Vai Você Geração 80?, in Parque Lage District, Rio de Janeiro, and has taken part in important group shows in Rio and Recife. His canvases particularly surprised the public of São Paulo when presented at the solo show of his work at Instituto Tomie Ohtake, in 2003, on the invitation of curator Agnaldo Farias. In 2009 he represented Brazil at the 10th Bienal de la Habana, in Cuba, and at the 53rd Biennale di Venezia, selected by curator Ivo Mesquita.