Artist Showdown

Fernando Ferreira de Araujo is a Brazilian artist based in New York City. Born in 1962 he has been painting since 1989. His paintings are strongly identified by vivid colors at the same time by some sort of Chiaroscuro element, as well as by a sharp Abstract Expressionism influence. However, he tends to detach his work from any genre or label, except for the bleeding technique in which distorted shapes and forms express his reality and vision of places, people and things that surround him, among contrasts of light and dark.

We asked him a few question:

Q: How do you see your art?

A: As opposed to trying to figure it out, I simply feel it.  Otherwise I’d never be able to finish one piece.

Q: What about art in general?

A: The same. I have to feel as if I could jump right into it and physically be part of it.

Q: Do you think every artist seeks notoriety?

A: The feeling of touching as many people’s souls as possible is very strong. At least, for me, I need to share my vision with the world. Of course, the thrill of creating art just for the sake of it is also very strong. But it gets to a point when sharing becomes inevitable. May be I need to believe I’m not going to die because of my work. The feeling of legacy left for future generations is very contagious.

Q: How difficult do you think that is? I mean, having a successful career?

A: Competition is fierce in all fields. And that’s not a bit different in the art world. I’d say it’s even worse. There are thousands of great artists out there. But the feeling we can break through is what nudges every artist. But you don’t have to be famous in all four corners of the world in order to have that feeling of accomplishment. I know many extremely talented artists that are happy with their career and manage to make a living out of their work, and yet they are not in any major museums.

Q: What does it take to get there?

A: I wish I knew. I wish it were that simple. Talent, uniqueness, technique and a good personality counts a lot. However, I strongly believe in that old saying: “Right time, at the right place with the right person”

Q: How is your creation process?

A: I usually brainstorm feelings and memories of places and people I’ve come across with.

Q: I see a great expressionism influence in your work. Do you consider yourself an expressionist?

A: Sometimes I do. I don’t like labels. But if I had to use one, expressionism could be the one. Even though the first phase of my paintings is more realistic, I feel I need to destroy defined lines and shapes in order to find my inner form. I need to reach an unpredictable terrain, the thrill of the unknown. At the same time, I look for an inner balance. That’s why it’s hard to know when I’m done.

Q: What would you say to those artists that many times feel like giving up, due to all difficulties?

A: Just give up… and see if you can live without art. If you are able to do so, it’s because art was not your call. Start painting might be an option. But, once you start you’re trapped for life. There is no turning back. If that’s your real bliss you’ll live with art for the rest of your days. If you can’t afford it, look for a day job. It’s tough, because the more you do what you’re meant to do the less you’re attracted by doing other things. But that’s the only way to cope with the duality of being an artist and worldly human.

Q: What’s your long-term plan as an artist?

A: I wish I could afford being based in a small town at the same time keeping great gallery deals in big cities. I feel that soon or later I’ll have to go back to Brazil and settle down in the country side, in a cottage studio type of thing. Perhaps helping poor kids developing their talent. I’m a bit tired of big cities, even though I know how important it has been living in cities like New York and Sao Paulo.

Q: Starting by the title and the dramatic composition of your last paintings, for your Solo Show in Miami, it seems like you are in the middle of a big change in your life. Is that what it is?

A: I’d say everyone is in constant change. Regardless if one is aware or not of it. Now that the series is complete I realize some changes are already happening. Not sure if the series “Crossroad” was a premonition or if I was simply led and motivated by it. The bottom line is that I feel I need to move to the next level. I’m closing my studio in NYC for at least a year and allowing myself of having a long vacation in my native Brazil. Afterwards I’m planning to move to Madrid for at least six months, where I’ll start working on a new project. I should be back to New York by the end of 2009, or perhaps first quarter of 2010. All became clear and necessary after I finished my last series. That’s when I added to the show title: “The Liminal State of Light and Dark”. Representing change, a new path to be taken and the need of venturing to new horizons.

www.fernandoaraujo.net