Today we’d like to introduce you to Rodrigo Pedrosa

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

“After a ten-year therapy process, I realized that I was born to be an artist and that art is fundamental for my mental and physical balance as a result. I spent over 40 years completely detached from the world of art until I fully immersed myself in this profession. Today, I am professionally fulfilled. There were many years of mental blockage that could only be resolved through therapy. That’s why I am very grateful to my therapist Carlos Eduardo Leal and to my wife Ana, who always supported me in this transition.

After this period of self-discovery that lasted more than 10 years, I came to understand that I was truly born to be an artist, and all the adverse experiences, mistakes, and setbacks I went through were necessary for building the artist I am today. I was still working in advertising and owned an advertising agency when I decided to completely abandon that career and embark on this new journey. I closed down the office and the very next day began my career as a visual artist. It was a very tough period with financial difficulties and many doubts, but I was determined and persevered until I could establish myself as a professional in the visual arts and make a name in the market. Today, I live off my art and I am a fulfilled professionally.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Throughout my journey, a characteristic that has become quite evident in my personality is resilience in navigating crises. I’ve had numerous frustrating experiences in my professional life and faced various new beginnings. I believe that every setback has strengthened me and shaped who I am today as an artist. Another important characteristic is curiosity—I’ve never hesitated to explore and engage in new activities, which has given me great flexibility to find solutions and confront challenges.

I don’t believe in easiness in anything in life, especially when it comes to making a living from art in Brazil, a country that undervalues art and has a very limited market. Another major difficulty is finding galleries that represent us and sell our work. There are few galleries in the country for many talented artists. I’ve gone through many tough times but I never really thought about stepping back or giving up on the career I embraced. Art is my life and today I can’t imagine myself not practicing this profession despite all the difficulties. Fortunately, I am now represented by several galleries (Andréa Rehder/SP, Murilo Castro/MG, Cosmos/SC, and AMRM/NY) that sell my work and help me promote my career and reach markets I didn’t reach before.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I believe in my work as a mission. My art is purposeful in bringing forth a reflection on the paths we have taken as a society, serving as a denouncement for an awakening of consciousness. As a figurative sculptor, I start with the premise that the body reflects who we are in the world—our pains, anxieties, loves, joys, and hopes. From the body emanates the need to seek new horizons, to reconnect with our animal and spiritual essence, and with our condition as beings that coexist. It is through this language that I seek to express myself and contribute to a more humanistic and compassionate society. Recently, I had the opportunity to hold my largest exhibition to date, titled “Abismo” (Abyss), at the MAC (Museum of Contemporary Art) in Niterói, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The museum was designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer. This solo exhibition was curated by Rafael Peixoto, providing me with the platform to showcase my latest body of work.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

What I can say to those who are starting a new endeavor today is that perseverance and resilience are indispensable in any undertaking. Following your heart is crucial to finding personal satisfaction; it requires a lot of determination, but it is always worth it. I believe there is nothing more gratifying than doing what you love.

I don’t believe in a single person being decisive in my journey, but rather in a group of people, each contributing to where I am today. From my father and younger brother, who initially provided financial support, to my wife, who supported me in every challenging moment, and my studio partners Rafael Vicente and Cesar Coelho, as well as all those who have, in one way or another, crossed my path—whether working with me or in daily life. I also want to mention my gallery owners who believe in my work and walk alongside me in the development of my career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @rodrigopedrosaarte

Image Credits

Mario Grisolli
Lucas Benevides