Magnetic Lenses – 1st solo exhibition (2012)

Magnetic Lenses approaches the discussions of naive art, raw art, folk art or outsider art. The aesthetic is maintained with codes similar to those of artists Henry Darger (1892-1973) and the multidisciplinary Devendra Banhart. “This vast universe of unique strength and mythology can never be precisely defined or reduced to a category. As Jean Dubuffet said, ‘art by essence is new (…). Only one regime is healthy for artistic creation: permanent revolution ’”.

As also said by Juliana Freire, from Emma Thomas gallery, the works of Arnaldo Dias Baptista reflect his philosophy, poetry, sense of humor and avant-garde creativity, already known in his musical career. “Arnaldo works spontaneously, experimentally and with an emphasis on the fantastic imagination. Expressiveness through the use of colors and textures permeates both the universe of psychedelia, metaphysics, and contemporary art”.

“ When painting, sometimes I have inspirations from my musical knowledge and, in other cases, they’re visual inspirations. It is the expression of what my soul says about the sun, about the clouds … I built this new path of creation as seeing my soul in a way that connects music to the visual arts ’’ observes Arnaldo Dias Baptista.

For Flaviana Bernardo, from Emma Thomas gallery, the works bring narrative, daring and freedom, linking the mystic and the primitive through their own symbolism. “Arnaldo doesn’t go through filters like other artists. His drawings and paintings are very close to writing, like a fable. There is an intense presence”.

Curator: Emma Thomas gallery

Emma Thomas gallery, São Paulo city

From March, 24  to April, 20 – 2012.

(Emma Thomas Gallery was sold in 2017).