Work by Raiz Campos: Graffitied indigenous mat gains space on display in Rio de Janeiro

Northern Graphics

Until the 10th of February, Raiz’s work remains on display, forming a historical collection of other Brazilian artists

Manaus (AM) — Considered one of the most representative names in graphics in the North region, Raiz Campos takes the fusion of graffiti-graphics to the exhibition “Trama Canoê”, which takes place at the Sebrae Reference Center for Brazilian Handicrafts, in Rio de Janeiro. Until the 10th of February, Raiz’s work remains on display, forming a historical collection of other Brazilian artists.

This work features a photo in homage to Chief Bina of the Matis ethnic group, painted with urban art techniques in tune with indigenous art on a tupé mat, crafted by artisans from the Associação dos Artesãos de Novo Airão (AANA). Raiz says that it is the largest indigenous mat ever painted by him, over three meters high.

“The work is a work that I have been developing with artisans since 2019, which brings the fusion of indigenous and urban art. I did some graffiti on top, with all due respect, executing the graphics techniques in a transparent way”. According to the artist, the work valuing indigenous peoples occupies a prominent position in the exhibition Trama Canoê.

“Art was like a guardian, right at the entrance, well valued. For me it is an honor, a dream that I have been fulfilling since 2018, painting mats that are bigger and bigger”,

said the artist.

artistic career

Raiz’s first solo exhibition with indigenous mats was in 2019, at Galeria do Largo, Largo de São Sebastião, Downtown Manaus. One of his works, “Grande Cobra Canoa”, developed in spray paint on a tupé mat, is still on display in the entrance hall of the state’s cultural space.

Still in the Centre, another work by the artist can be seen on the wall on Rua 10 de Julho, which was graffitied in honor of the national leader of indigenous peoples, chief Raoni Metuktire Kayapo. Several walls, scattered throughout the city, bear the signature of the artist who advocates subjects engaged with the sustainable development of the Amazon and the preservation of indigenous culture.

One of his projects, “Muralizar: do Raiz ao Lana”, was included in the public notice “Prêmio Feliciano Lana”, from the State Government, through the Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy, as part of the actions of the Aldir Blanc Law , in 2020.

Raiz believes that, with the resources of the public notices, the works can be developed with a focus on quality and greater scope.

“We can reach more people who live on the margins of the cultural scene. Encouraging people to seek the path of art”,

said the artist, who was born in Bahia, but still a child, he lived in Vila do Pitinga, within the Waimiri Atroari indigenous area, where he started the graphics.

*With advisory information

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