ABOUT THE ARTIST

 

 

Hailing originally  from Fortaleza, the capital city of the State of Ceará, northern Brazil, an area known for creating unique, colourful and eye-catching art using materials found in nature, Rai first explored his creativity as a child and proved himself naturally gifted.

 

After obtaining school diplomas and college certificates, Rai moved to Rio de Janeiro to work at the Rio Samba School, assisting in the creation of costumes, head pieces, accessories and shoes. During this time Rai also worked in the costumes department of a big period soap opera, which gave him his first taste of European culture and style. He also enrolled himself in dance classes (ballet, traditional and modern)

 

His desire to see the world and travel led to him moving to New York at the age of 25 where he quickly established himself in a diverse, creative and vibrant city.

 

Rai's own creativity was strongly influenced by the city's energy, people and culture. It proved   apparent  in the first costumes, masks and headpieces  he created for scores of parties, fashion shows and high society events. He eventually moved to Barcelona, which became home to two permanent residencies along with four solo exhibitions. (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008) During that period, Rai would establish himself as a unique form of artist in London , Paris and Amsterdam.

 

The fusion of glass, paint, textured materials including sand, leather, silk, metal, antiques, jewels and of course, Rai’s own creativity has led to the creation of a line of contemporary work ranging from pieces that can be used as candelabras, vases, ashtrays as well as canvases and other interior decorative creations. What makes Rai's art even more appealing is the fact that each piece  represents his state of mind, physically as well as spiritually and this is clearly apparent in the sumptuous and rich pieces created during summer months surrounded by hedonistic and bohemian residents of London, to the minimalist, yet powerful pieces created in solitude or whilst remembering his heritage and loved ones in his native Brazil.