Virgilio Neto

Born in 1986, in Brazil
Lives and works in Brazil

“The drawings of Virgílio Neto are of great visual appeal not only because of the artist’s unique stroke and the variety of subjects he approaches, but also because how he weaves these subjects together establishes a synaptic sequence in which the exercise of seeking and finding is magnetic. His work reflects the prevalence of the visual fact, a signature trait of our times. Yet it should not be interpreted as a sum of multiple components, but rather as the relationship the artist establishes among them. A careful analysis of his drawing boards reveals that the artist repeatedly insists upon an affirmation of the whole. The arrangement of compositions and the selection of negative spaces – blank framings – replicate a framing technique that abides to rigorous montage procedures. Variations ultimately constitute an exercise in exploring a trove of richness, reaffirming the humbleness of a person who draws so well and beautifully: that which is not drawn compliments the gaze. It clears up the air so that we can breathe and, perhaps, reflect. Fillers are composed in the style of Carlos Drummond de Andrade’s Elefante, a rickety animal, pieced together from scraps. Large and fragile, yet persistent.”

Ralph Gehre

Solo Exhibitions
2013 – The White Crash #01 – The Banff Centre, Canada
2012 – Tudo Quer Ser – Espaço Laje, Brasília, Brazil
2011 – Diálogos – Museu De Arte Contemporânea De Mato Grosso Do Sul – Marco, Campo Grande, Brazil

Group Exhibitions
2012 – Rumos Artes Visuais 2011-2013 – Instituto Itaú Cultural, São Paulo, Brazil
2012 – Outras Coisas Visíveis Sobre Papel – Galeria Leme, São Paulo, Brazil
2012 – 3º Prêmio Edp Nas Artes. Instituto Tomie Ohtake, São Paulo, Brazil
2012 – Gambiarra – Galeria Espaço Piloto – Unb, Brasília, Brazil
2012 – Centerfolder – Referência Galeria De Arte, Brasília, Brazil
2011 – Desquilíbrios E Imperfeições – Galeria Coleção De Arte, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil