Fernando de Brito - TERZ
Drawings and Sketchbooks
March 29 - May 10, 2008
Vernissage: Friday, March 28, 2008, 19 h
A line leads from A to B. The process is the result of a precise mental exercise and an expression of a a focused physical activity: the drawing of a continuous line. For 30 years now this knowledge has informed Fernando de Brito’s work in which he constantly negociates the complex effects of line and background, hatching and shadow, color and illusion.
“The line is the basis for understanding in all non-verbal communications, it is a means of orientation which guides our intentions and goals”, explains the artist.In his drawings de Brito doesn’t follow figurative traditions or the prepartory draftsmanship of the “primi pensieri” school. His artistic practice is influenced by minimal art and color field painting. In combining zen-like clarity with the suggestive strengh of reduction he has developed his very own style. De Brito leads us into a visual world that doesn’t play with heavy symbolism but is totally devoted to the exploration of color fields and the interlacing processes in our mind.
It is about the sharpening of the senses. Small variations can cause big impacts. One paper is not like the other. De Brito might work on sheets of industially manufactured paper, then again he uses rare hand made sheets from famous paper mills. Firmness and surface texture transform the paper drawings into scultpural objects. De Brito’s highly complex works are showing a delicate balance between ecstatic desire and total control.
A drawing from his “names”-series with its dense ballpoint pen line structures an its title “Michelangelo Antonioni” raises connotations of a torn a panty hose. In onother series called “Divas” you almost get the feeling you can hear the pounding heart of a Hollywood star beneath the delicately drawn fabric dress. For these works de Brito utilized ink pencils, an oldfaschioned drawing utensil used by architects in the 30s. By exposing the finished drawings to moisture he creates stunning new effects: mesmerizing fabric-like stuctures cover the surface and keep us entwined.
The drawings in this exhibiton will be accompanied by sketchbooks and one spectacular site specific work. The 3 x 12 metre wall drawing will sum up what this is all about: total devotion and focus on the artistic essentials.
Fernando de Brito born 1956 in Portugal. Master in fine Art at HfBK Hamburg. Lives and works in Hamburg.
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