Pinturas do Artist Joao de Brito na Galaria en Hayward California

Passos da Vida

6/9/2006 - PASSOS DA VIDA

A visão artística de João de Brito transcende limites culturais, artísticos, nacionais e pessoais, expressando-se através de pinturas que encarnam um desejo universal de exuberância e felicidade. A sua personalidade cativante revela-se através de toda a sua obra, e não será por acaso que as suas pinturas nos parecem sugerir a promessa de um amanhã melhor… Se não se puder deixar de sorrir ao ver uma pintura de João, o artista decerto já logrou o seu objectivo.

João veio ao mundo na ilha de São Miguel, nos Açores, um lugar do Atlântico de beleza natural subtropical, onde a vida é simples mas cheia de possibilidades. Imigrou, jovem, para a costa leste dos Estados Unidos com a família, e de lá mudou-se para a península de Monterey, na Califórnia. Cresceu num ambiente de gente criadora e foi um observador e estudante de arte desde os seis anos, vindo a frequentar mais tarde aulas de arte e cursos numerosos na universidade. Adoptou a sua identidade Luso-Americana, celebrando a terra natal na sua arte.

O seu desenvolvimento artístico continuou à medida que foi aprendendo com outros na América e na Europa, tais como os Impressionistas William B. Hannum e Mark Geller, e o mestre tradicionalista David Leffel, inspirado por Rembrandt. Foi influenciado pelos grandes fauvistas franceses - ao olhar as suas pinturas podem detectar-se os ecos sussurrados de Henri Matisse e de André Derain. Conta ainda entre as suas influências os primeiros Impressionistas Californianos, em especial os membros da Society of Six, Selden Gile e August Gay, assim como Armin Hansen, Franz Bischoff e a grande pintora E. Charlton Fortune.

Praticante de pintura en plein air, João pinta igualmente no seu atelier, frequentemente ao som de música (clássica, jazz, ou Fado). Além de outros motivos, o seu trabalho abrange paisagens de vinhas ondulantes, ladeiras luxuriantes, e imagens do dia a dia.
A primeira coisa que a maior parte das pessoas nota na sua obra é a cor. Ela é viva, contudo não garrida, e as pinturas parecem permeadas de alegria e calor.

João tem viajado extensivamente por todo o mundo. Na Nova Zelândia teve a oportunidade rara de conviver e criar com o povo Maori. Talvez tenham detectado um espírito congénere, nascido nas ilhas e muito ligado à natureza. Foi uma honra fora do vulgar, de que João nunca se esquecerá. Foi honrado uma outra vez com um convite para se associar aos Beachcombers, uma organiza_ão selecta de homens ligados às Belas-Artes, baseada em Provincetown, Massachusetts, que inclui personalidades como os pintores Charles Hawthorne, Henry Hensche, Ross Moffett e Sal Del Deo, e figuras literárias tais como John Dos Passos e Harry Kemp.

Outra distin_ão conferida a João foi um convite do governo português para participar numa excursão de uma semana com outros artistas. Pintores, escritores, poetas e compositores foram convidados a traduzir as suas experiências pessoais dos Açores através das suas respectivas criações. O governo tenciona publicar em livro estas impressões


As pinturas de João têm sido expostas no mundo inteiro. O seu trabalho integra colecções particulares importantes e museus na América do Norte e na Europa. A sua obra tem vindo a conquistar-lhe um núcleo leal de apreciadores, do Pyromania Art Center em Taurange, Nova Zelândia, à Lola Art Gallery na histórica Roswell na Geórgia, Estados Unidos. A personalidade de João irradia através das suas pinturas, as quais a crítica de arte de Provincetown, Jan Kelly, qualifica a um tempo de “cerebrais e confiantes “. Kate Nolan, proprietária das galerias Many Hands em Santa Cruz e Capitola, Califórnia, expõe exclusivamente obras de João na galeria de Santa Cruz onde passa a maior parte do tempo. Segundo ela, “a pintura de João de Brito é aquela cuja convivência prefiro acima de todas”.

Na língua Maori, a palavra “mauri” significa “aquela força da vida presente em todos os objectos.” Talvez cada obra de João seja imbuida dessa força de vida a qual, longe de diminuir, alimenta o seu ser. Cada vez que alguém se deleita ou se detém a olhar, reflectindo, para uma das suas pinturas, essa força de vida aumenta para todos.

Vê através dos olhos de uma criança, aberto e receptivo a tudo e a todos. É este dom natural que acima de tudo ressalta do seu trabalho. Para além de cores vivas, as suas pinturas contêm “matizes que ninguém nunca imaginou” (Kristy Wegert, proprietária da Lola Art Gallery). A sua obra circula através do mundo artístico qual quadriga de Apolo, espalhando a luz da vida para quem saiba ver. De facto, ao ver uma tela que João pintara de uma cena nos Açores, um amigo observou: “o céu não é tão azul”. Talvez não fosse para ele ou para mais ninguém que o tivesse visto nesse dia… excepto João. Afinal, será a missão da arte mostrar-nos o mundo como é, ou o mundo como o artista o vê?

Em Provincetown, Mass., o proprietário-gerente da Thanassi Gallery, Vasso Trellis, diz que as pinturas de João têm “uma exuberância exótica, mágica, surreal, magnética” com “cores frescas, luminosas que capturam à perfeição a luz do dia sem igual de Provincetown”. A sua “paleta impressionista” transporta-nos a um “Paraíso terreal” quando o tema é os Açores. As suas “cores e emoções fortes e vibrantes apelam à alma do observador”.

Passos da Vida mostra-nos as últimas pinturas no trajecto artístico de João.
Trata-se tanto de imagens das suas viajens como de lugares próximos de sua casa, paisagens de verdes profundos, laranjas convidativos, vermelhos queimados de sol, azuis de alegria pura, amarelos intensos, e sombras que parecem emitir luz…vinhas, beira-mares, lagos, árvores, vales, montanhas, aldeias... tudo isso renasce na visão singular de João.

Neste momento os Passos da Vida de João cruzam-se com os passos da vida de quem vê. Demore-se a olhar estas pinturas. Quanto mais olha, mais vê. Eventualmente reconhecerá que existe uma ligação entre si e o trabalho de João, e começará a ver o mundo com um olhar renovado.

By: Stephen Antczak
Trad: Júlia Pedreira-Lewis

@João de Brito, todos os deireitos reservado

Joao de Brito Exhibits at Hayward City Hall June 9th 2006

The Hayward Arts Council with Sun Gallery Present

5/31/2006 - The Hayward Arts Council in Collaboration with Sun Gallery - Hayward Area Forum of the Arts Presents the Exhibit:

PATHS OF LIFE / PASSOS DA VIDA

THE LANDSCAPES / AS PAISAGENS

See select Landscapes by Portuguese-American artist João de Brito. Some of these paintings form part of the larger Paths of Life, featuring the works of this internationally recognized en plein aire artist, whose influences include great Fauvists such as Matisse and Derain, as well as the Early California Impressionists.

Pronvincetown, Mass. art reviewer Jan Kelly has called João’s work “cerebral and sanguine,” and in Historic Roswell, Georgia, Lola Art Gallery’s Kristy Wegert says his art contains “hues (of color) you never thought imaginable.” The paintings capture the spirit of hope that the artist himself radiates. See his work in person to experience the full effect!

A Reception will be held on Friday, June 9th from 5:30pm to 8pm at:

Hayward City Hall Rotunda
John O’Legua Galleria
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541

Featuring poetry by Lucilla da Silva, Maria das Dores Beirao and William Landis, Jazz (Joe Furtado Oliveira – saxophone, Bob Koch – piano, Sharon Xavier de Sousa – vocals) and classical guitarist, Travis Silvers, Helio Beirao as well as refreshments.

Paths of Life: the Landscapes runs May 24th - July 26th.
At Hayward City Hall John O’Legua Galleria-a short walk from the Hayward BART station, and directly across from the Watkins Street parking structure.

The Galleria is open Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm (except on holidays when City Hall is closed) and is a short walk from the Hayward BART station. 

New Art Gallery Debuts in Oakland’s Industrial Area

De Brito’s works will be the first to be on exhibit 12/1/2005 -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joao de Brito
Phone: 408-348-3400


New Art Gallery Debuts in Oakland’s Industrial Area

OAKLAND, CA—On December 10, 2005 from 6-8:30, The Stone Art Gallery on 50th Avenue in Oakland will hold a grand opening celebration in which local and internationally renowned artists will display paintings and sculptures. According to impressionist/figurative painter and Gallery Director João de Brito, the city’s newest gallery will become a creative community that features a wide variety of talent and attracts art enthusiasts from around the world.
“We believe that the city of Oakland will become an East Bay destination for those who appreciate fine art,” says De Brito who travels extensively throughout, the U.S. and Europe to paint in oils en plein aire. “We’re very encouraged and excited because this undertaking works in tandem with other local redevelopment and renewal projects that are bringing out the best of this culturally rich region.“
De Brito’s works will be the first to be on exhibit at The Stone Art Gallery. His art is influenced by great French fauvists, California impressionists and Oakland’s Society of Six, though he often incorporates his Portuguese roots into his works. With connections to the Northern California Portuguese community, de Brito will donate 25% of sales from his paintings to San Jose’s Portuguese Heritage Museum during his two-month showing that ends January 31st.
Nudged between industrial buildings and factory warehouses at 600 50th Avenue, and sharing space with two other businesses, The Stone Art Gallery’s

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The Contemporary Gallery Page 2

Grand opening will also feature the works of Jamie Abbott, well known in Northern California for his sculpting talents and Maria Leal da Costa, international known sculptor.
“Creative energy feeds off of creative energy,” says de Brito, “Therefore, I see this gallery as a place of intense inspiration.”
With a heart for visual art since early childhood, de Brito realized that the East Bay lacked sufficient space to highlight the works of artists, so he took action. “There is every reason to put Oakland on the fine arts map,” explains de Brito. “Art is truly part of Oakland’s past and a needed link to our future.”
At Present exhibits at The Stone Art Gallery will be featured for two months at a time.
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Joao de Brito Accepted into Private Arts Association

De Brito Invited into The Beachcombers

7/26/2005 - Capitola Painter Accepted into Private Arts Association
Impressionist João de Brito Makes an East Coast Impression

CAPITOLA, CA—On June 25, 2005, artist João de Brito was in Provincetown, Massachusetts for the opening of an exhibit at Thannassi Gallery. Following the reception, de Brito became the first Portuguese artist invited and accepted into The Beachcombers, a long-standing private organization that promotes fellowship among men engaged in the fine arts. Former members include an extensive line of well-known artists and writers such as American painter Charles Hawthorne, Ross Moffett, and literary greats John Dos Passos and Harry Kemp
“It is a great honor to have been invited into the organization,” said de Brito. “As an artist it will be a great outlet for me to talk about my work and to connect with talented individuals from all over the world.”
De Brito is a native of the Azores who immigrated to the United States with his family at age 10. Having grown up on the East Coast, the impressionist/figurative painter said he feels right at home at The Beachcombers headquarters, which is located on the Provincetown shoreline. Currently, de Brito lives in Capitola, California – a port city and a West Coast haven for artists and writers.
De Brito often travels abroad for inspiration and enlightenment. He recently

returned from a Portuguese government-sponsored trip where he toured the region with 16 writers, poets and artists from the US, Brazil and Canada. The Creative results include many new paintings depicting the beauty of Sao Miguel, St. George and Faial islands, several of which will be published in a ‘point of reference’ publication intended to promote the Portuguese culture through words and visual representation.
According to de Brito, membership in The Beachcombers provides an opportunity for the West Coast-based artist to return to the Eastern shore where his roots and heritage were established. “I have spent more than 20 years along the California coast and have enjoyed every moment, and yet I still feel at home in Provincetown,” explained de Brito. “What I have learned over the years is that life is a journey and that the path never ends at the city limits. There’s a world out there that I am a part of, and through my art, I can capture glimpses in order to share what I see with others.”
When he paints, De Brito draws from his Portuguese roots and incorporates influences by great French fauvists and early California impressionists such as August Gay, Seldon Gile and others. 

Portuguese Government Invites de Brito to Paint

João de Brito Travels with Brazilian, Canadian and American Creatives

7/18/2005 - Portuguese Government Invites Local Artist to Visit and Paint
João de Brito Travels with Brazilian, Canadian and American Creatives

CAPITOLA, CA—Impressionist/figurative painter João de Brito recently became a weeklong guest of the Portuguese government. From July 9th through the 15th, 2005, the Capitola resident joined 16 other specially selected artists, writers, poets and songwriters on a tour of the country that lies along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The purpose of the visit was for the group of creative Brazilians, Americans and Canadians to transform personal images of Portugal onto paper and canvas. When completed, the government plans to compile the artistic impressions into a “point of reference” publication for locals and people traveling abroad.
Highlights of de Brito’s trip included a dinner at the Palacio de Sant’Ana with His Excellency Carlos Cesar, the President of the Azores, as well as evenings at theaters, galleries and tours of several towns and cities. For his part, de Brito completed two large paintings while abroad, and is currently working on several more oils from his studio, each depicting landscapes of the beautiful Islands of Sao Miguel. In addition, de Brito is painting images from memories of time he spent on own touring the islands of St. George and Faial.
“There were so many magical moments,” said de Brito. “I saw things I’ve seen before – all in a new light. I was inspired by my fellow travelers and humbled to be with such creative, articulate people on a mission to promote the Portuguese culture.”
De Brito was born in the Azores. He immigrated with his family to the East Coast of the U.S. at age ten. In his early 20s, he relocated to the West Coast where he studied and has lived ever since. And while de Brito is proud to be an American citizen, he consistently draws from his Portuguese heritage when he paints, using vibrant colors that elicit light, life and energy. “My goal is to bring forth a sense of expectation,” de Brito explained. “My paintings are filled with hope because they encompass everything good about the earth.”
Recently, de Brito returned from two weeks in Italy, exploring and capturing Rome and Tuscany on canvas. He was also a featured artist at Many Hands Gallery in Capitola from April 1st through July 30th, where he holds the record for the most exhibited solo artist.
De Brito’s paintings have been acquired by a museum, government agencies, corporations and individuals. He has enjoyed successful shows in the Bay Area of California, Washington D.C., New England, Portugal and in the Monterey Peninsula. 

João de Brito Displays Current Works at Thanassi Gallery

Portuguese Artist Uses Color to Elicit Life

6/20/2005 - João de Brito Displays Current Works at Thanassi Gallery
Portuguese Artist Uses Color to Elicit Life

PROVINCETOWN, MA—Starting Saturday June 25th, current works of impressionist/figurative painter João de Brito will be on display at Thanassi Gallery on 234 Commercial Street in Provincetown. Influenced by great French fauvists and drawing from his Portuguese heritage, de Brito incorporates vibrant colors when painting in oils to elicit energy, life and expectation.
“I look for the beauty of the creator and the positive things in the world so that my paintings bring a sense of hope for the future,” de Brito explains. “It’s not fantasy, it’s the beautiful side of reality.”
De Brito was born in the Azores, grew up on the East Coast and now resides in Capitola, California, a small beach town known as an artistic haven along the Pacific Ocean. While he paints scenes depicting the natural beauty of the North Coast, he also travels internationally to express himself on canvas.
Recently, de Brito returned from two weeks in Italy, exploring and capturing Rome and Tuscany. “My goal is for people to feel good when they look at my paintings. I go for the gleam in the eye and the smile on the face.”
At present, de Brito’s works appear at Many Hands Galley through July 30th where he has been the featured artist since April 1st. Many Hands is located in
de Brito’s hometown of Capitola and he holds the record for the most exhibited solo artist at the gallery by the sea.
De Brito’s paintings have also been acquired by museums, government agencies, corporations and individuals. He has enjoyed successful shows in the Bay Area of California, Washington D.C., New England, the Azores, Portugal and in the Monterey Peninsula.
“Sometimes I feel like a fish swimming against the current,” de Brito says in relation to his positive images. “There is a lot of gloom in the world, but people are tired of that reality. They want to be lifted up and that is what I am inspired to do.”
Thanassi Gallery is located on the 234 Commercial Street. For more information, call 508-487-0233.