Urban Graphics Unconfined
Few artists are capable of producing works which can easily begin on your average sized canvas and expand to fit the length and width of a large building. This is only half of the magic which the bold and swirling paintings of Jotapê Pax contain. As both a street artist and graphic painter, Porto Alegre Brasil-based artist Jotapê Pax is without a doubt unconfined. His works are inviting, they welcome you inside and sing you a story and the longer you look, the larger and louder they become. Whether he’s covering a canvas or blessing an urban city wall with color, Jotapê Pax is always capable of letting his positive and inspired spirit free.
Who is Jotapê Pax?
Jotapê Pax is a Brazilian visual artist inspired by graffiti, urban art, tribal art, Egyptian paintings and African sculpture with work spanning from canvas to big walls and for high street Brazilian brands. His work includes a Taschen calendar publication in 2012 for Wooster Collective and Xirugravura for Choque Cultural Gallery. Jotapê has also exhibited in Europe, Latin America and Asia. Recently, Jotapê has been selected to showcase his work at the Graffiti Fine Art Biennal in São Paulo/BR and to integrate the permanent collection of the Contemporary Art Museum of Rio Grande do Sul – BR.
Question #1: How are you involved in street art and why is it important to you as a medium?
I started to get interested in street art early. Here in Brazil there is a type of iconography called “pixação” that caught my attention when I walked the streets and also followed the stencil artwork as a means of promoting theater groups, events and exhibitions. My first contact with artists was at a hip hop meeting in 2001 and I later met artists from around the world at the world Social Forum that took place here in my city. In 2007 I joined a collective of artists, which allowed me to focus entirely on the world of urban art and that was where I developed my first works as an artist. Since that time, I have participated in several festivals around the world, being the main Kosmopolite Art Tour in Paris, Meeting of Styles in Athens and my first solo exhibition in Barcelona. Today I work in my personal studio, encouraging cultural projects, promoting murals and workshops for young people in schools and working with commissioned projects.
Question #2: What has led you to this point in your life?
My curiosity, and my desire to grow and evolve with my art. It sure was a long way to get here. And I am very grateful for everything.
Question #3: What motivates you to create?
I’m inspired daily by people, by living and learning with friends and admirers. I wake up early, have a coffee and then go to studio to create. Better life!
Question #4: What is your artistic process?
My artwork represents Brazilian nature, ancestral cultures and current graphic references. I started painting walls in the streets, and then I started with acrylic painting and medium mixes. I love to explore new tools and materials, and I have already produced lithographs, illustrations and large murals.
2012
Acrylic on Canvas
2017
Acrylic on Canvas
“We have great power in our hands. Bring joy and serenity to anyone who sees art with a different eye in the world in which we live.” – Jotapê Pax
2019
Digital Illustration
“Nature helps us to see the world through different eyes, we only need to approach it to perceive the finest detail of love in it.” – Jotapê Pax
2019
Acrylic on Canvas
“Dreaming and fulfilling is the privilege of a few. I allow myself to dream and see the world in vibrant colors.” – Jotapê Pax
2017
Acrylic on Canvas
“love and partnership is what gives true love. this work is in honor of strong relationships.” – Jotapê Pax
Where/ How can Vacant Museum viewers see more of your work and where can they purchase it?
I use my instagram: @jotapepax
My collective is PaxArt
You can see more at http://www.paxart.com.br