Maria do Carmo ( Carmen Miranda) (2006) Painting by Rono Figueiredo

The Faces of Mary
by Rono Figueiredo





The artist Rono Figueiredo exhibits acrylic, oil and mixed media paintings at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Feira de Santana, from June 20 to July 15.
A native of Salvador, Bahia, studying Fine Arts at the Federal University of Bahia, he has participated in several group exhibitions in the city and one in London, together with other artists from Bahia.
In the series The Faces of Mary, presented to the public in Salvador at the Moacir Moreno Gallery at Theatro XVIII in Pelourinho in March/2006, the artist uses earthy tones and vibrant colors to recreate stylized feminine images. His “Marias”, regardless of the ethnicity represented, are inspired by women from African tribes, with elongated necks and introspective gaze. The simple, firm and long lines are a striking characteristic of Rono's work, which is also influenced by great artists such as Modigliani, Frida Kahlo, Romero Britto and Carybé.
In this new exhibition brought to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Feira de Santana, he presents previously unseen works still with strong influences from African culture, but with the use of graphics and primitivist elements, taking as reference artists such as the American Keith Haring and the lines of the French Henri Matisse.

“This series is heavily influenced by African culture, with its symbolism, beliefs and customs. It would be impossible to remain immune to such a rich culture that is so present in my city. The result is the fruit of research and experience in this place that is so rich in cultural expressions”, adds the artist.
In “The Faces of Maria” Rono uses vibrant colors that seem to explode on the canvas when contained by the strong black outline – a striking characteristic of his work. His drawings are simple, but quite expressive and remind us of comic book characters. The artist investigates his roots, but breaks the bonds through a unique language. He is not concerned with the “discourse” on conceptual art, but rather with communicating with the public through the expression of his poetics. He uses earthy tones with great skill and mixed techniques to create unusual textures with wax, acrylic paste and tissue paper.




“I try to portray different races and ethnicities in everyday situations, highlighting shapes and curves. The name “Maria”, since it is very common in Brazil, was a way of creating an identification between women and the characters represented in my art”, said Rono Figueiredo about the reason for this tribute.
His work excels in the conscious use of color and free form. With a strong dose of playfulness and spontaneity, women are presented in a stylized way in their various aspects, ethnicities and colors. The artist appropriates an Afro-Bahian symbolism, taking advantage of these emblems.

If the artist needs to be bold in order to innovate, the result of this can be felt, the black lines that outline the figures refer us to the e...

• Nationality: BRAZIL
• Date of birth : 1978
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Brazilian Artists