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2023

Sub-Urban Forms

In this series of digital paintings, Romulo Bandeira focuses on the indisputable right to urbanization, investigating this issue that is not only social and political, but also cultural and aesthetic. Living in the city of Rio de Janeiro, where the favelas contrast with the formal architectural design, creating their own image that is imposed by the need for housing, the artist reflects on the process of construction, removal and reconstruction of these informal spaces of integration. The rational geometric order, associated with a linear color plane, gives the works in this series a rigid style to communicate a profound content on the subject. The images are endowed with a controlled aggressiveness, with designs of points that resemble protective spears, bringing a connotation of resistance of micro-territories within larger territories. The choice of a cold-based blue in contrast with the referenced brick accentuates this perception. The fragmented form in which the elements are presented points to a construction method that prioritizes shelter, in contrast to the pre-established projects of wealthy areas of large cities. The overlapping of layers is a striking feature, giving the idea that space is movement, bringing to the scene an idea of the presence of its inhabitants. Although their figures do not actually appear on the canvas, both builders and residents are there, as those responsible for this rhizome. The result leads the eye to travel through places whose organic constructions are marked by a historical disdain for academic architecture. By imprinting his abstractionist perspective on the approach to the aesthetics of the favelas, Bandeira invites the observer to reflect on the theme, subverting common sense and assuming the functional complexity of these spaces. Denoting the status of architect to its builder-residents, the artist assumes that this collective aesthetic should not be removed, but preserved, with its flows organized in a way that fosters the desires and needs of its residents.

Sub-Urban Forms | 01

Sub-Urban Forms 01 | 2023

Digital drawing for giclée printing on cotton paper and screen printing

A2_42 x 59.4cm

Sub-Urban Forms | 02

Sub-Urban Forms 02 | 2023

Digital drawing for giclée printing on cotton paper and screen printing

A2_42 x 59.4cm

Sub-Urban Forms | 03

Sub-Urban Forms 03 | 2023

Digital drawing for giclée printing on cotton paper and screen printing

A2_42 x 59.4cm

Sub-Urban Forms | 04

Formas Sub-Urbanas 04 | 2023

Desenho digital para impressão giclèe em papel de algodão e Serigrafia

A2_42 x 59,4cm

All rights reserved to the artist Romulo Bandeira. ©2023

Developed by Flag - Double Slot Creative Office
Texts: MGS-CO Project Office

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