Black & White Inspiration

The Homegrown Gallery in Ipanema , located in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, is hosting  the exhibition “Preto e Branco” (Black and White). Featuring ten black and white pieces by urban artist Marinho, the exhibition will run through Sunday, March 1, 2015.

The use of only black ink and white in the exhibited pieces is meant to illustrate binary oppositions. The negative space contrasted with the black also is meant to make viewers question what complements versus what competes.

“My works are subjective, they make a person have their own interpretation,” explained Marinho in a prepared statement, adding, “Art is my philosophy of life.”

An urban artist for over 25 years, Marinho began as a graffiti artist, tagging under the name, “bad mvl”. As he developed into more of a fine artist, moving from spray cans and walls to canvases and inks, his works began to gain recognition worldwide.

His piece, “O Ser” (“Being”), was shown in the Rio gallery, while his piece, “Uma história das Ruas do Rio” (“A History of the Rio’s Streets”) was exhibited by the Wendel gallery in Berlin, Germany.

In 2006, the Homegrown Gallery invited Marinho to participate in the “Parede Gentil” (“Wall Gentil”). That project featured works by urban artists on display in Centro (Central/Downtown), Rio de Janeiro. The project took place in the same year that Homegrown Gallery opened in Ipanema as well.

Founded as a contemporary art space located above the Homegrown store, the gallery, since its beginning, was known to be a supporter of up-and-coming and established Brazilian and international urban artists. To date, the space has hosted more than 100 exhibitions by graffiti artists and contemporary visual artists, including, photographers, designers, body/tattoo artists and illustrators.

Opening night for Marinho’s “Preto e Branco” exhibition will begin at 6 p.m. and run through 10 p.m. Entrance is free.