André Ricardo’s rich painting practice- which recalls the timeless visual lexicons of celebrated artists such as Alfredo Volpi and Rubem Valentim-examines Brazilian vernacular through images of nature, urban architecture, and symbols that reflect his own, powerful ancestry and the pluralism of Brazilian identity. Living and working in São Paulo, he draws from the city’s potent legacy of African heritage, colonial history, and indigenous culture to create forms that initiate dialogues between distinct aesthetic systems.
André Ricardo’s vibrant palette reflects his masterful understanding and handling of egg tempera, a medium that he has utilized for ten years. The artist’s complex pre-industrial technique allows him to explore color with profound sensitivity and expands his control over the effect of his pigments as applied to the canvas support. André Ricardo’s most recent paintings isolate forms, objects, architectural details, and memories- elevating them to icons while imbuing them with palpable energy and mystery. Recurring tropes such as the serpent, vessels, and vehicles incorporate boldly playful geometries. While these symbols allude to local narratives, they simultaneously inspire viewers to generate their own interpretations.
André Ricardo’s works are held in prominent collections including the Museu de Arte Contemporânea MAC-USP, São Paulo, Brazil; Inhotim Centro de Arte Contemporânea, Brumadinho, Brazil; Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil; Ribeirão Preto Art Museum, São Paulo, Brazil; Casa do Olhar Luiz Sacilotto Museum, São Paulo, Brazil; and the Casa da Cultura da América Latina, University of Brasília, Brazil. Recent solo exhibitions of the artist’s work include André Ricardo: Da Pintura Necessária, Iberê Camargo, Brazil (2023); Alumeia, Galeria Periscópio, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (2022); André Ricardo, Galeria Estação, São Paulo, Brazil (2021); André Ricardo, Museu de Arte de Ribeirão Preto MARP, São Paulo, Brazil (2021); and CAIACA!, Pilar Gallery, São Paulo, Brazil (2019). Recent collective exhibitions include 6 artists, Mendes Wood DM, New York (2023); Back Home, Lamb, London, England (2022); Brazilian Art Panorama at MAM, Museu de Arte Moderna de São Paulo, Brazil (2022); Modernismo Desde Aqui, Paço das Artes, São Paulo, Brazil (2022); Baião de Dois: dialogue between artists, Galeria Estação, São Paulo, Brazil (2022); Y Ella Guarda Una Piedra de Cada Lugar Que Ha Visitado, Juan Silió Galeria, Madrid, Spain (2021); and Peripheral Circulation, Fundació Sa Nostra, Palma de Mallorca, Spain (2020). André Ricardo has held residencies at Residency Unlimited in New York (2022) and at Addaya Centre di Art Contemporani, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain (2015-2016). He was nominated for Prêmio Pipa in 2017 and was awarded the Prize at 36 ° SARP - Art Salon of Ribeirão
