We recently connected with Raquel Fornasaro and have shared our conversation below.

Raquel, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my upcoming solo exhibition titled “Cerol” at the Beacon Gallery in Boston this June. Through a collection of paintings, sculptures, video, and installation, “Cerol” explores the externalities of our capitalist practices and their impact on the planet’s climate and ecosystems. The title – pronounced sid-oh – is a Brazilian term referring to a mixture of glue and powdered glass used by kite flyers to cut their opponents’ kites. Cerol is dangerous, at times lethal, and criminalized in many countries. The exhibition uses this practice as a metaphor for the cutthroat nature of capitalism, encouraging viewers to think critically about the broader societal and economic structures that shape our lives and decisions, and how they impact the environment.
As an artist with a background in advertising, I use boldly colored and symbolically rich oil paintings that blend cultural iconography from contemporary media and Brazilian mythology to create witty compositions that ambiguously carry hope and defeatism.
This exhibition is meaningful because it allows me to use my art to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on the environment and encourage viewers to think critically about their choices. Through “Cerol,” I hope to inspire people to take action and make changes in their lives to reduce their impact on the environment.
I invite you all to join me at the opening reception at Beacon Gallery in Boston on June 2, 2023, at 6 pm. The exhibition will run from June 2 to July 16, the gallery is open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 12-5 pm, and Monday through Wednesday by appointment.

Raquel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As an artist, I work with a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, video, digital, land art, and installation. I often have multiple works in progress at the same time, some of which may take years to complete while others are produced in just a matter of days. What sets me apart from others is my unique perspective on the world, particularly in relation to the impact of capitalism on society and the economy. Through my creative works, I provide a critical commentary on these broader structures and invite viewers to think more deeply about the issues at hand.
My work offers a unique perspective on the world, challenging viewers to think critically about important issues, which can help to promote social awareness and potentially drive positive change. I am proud of the impact that my work has had on those who have experienced it. Whether it’s through exhibitions, installations, or other forms of public engagement, my work has the power to move people and inspire them to think more deeply about important issues.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The biggest pivot in my life happened when I decided to shift my career path from advertising and graphic design to pursue my passion for art. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially since I had already invested so much time and effort into my previous career. However, I realized that I needed to follow my heart and do something that truly made me happy. I was born in Brazil and moving to a new country also played a big part in that change. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new opportunities. It was scary at first, but it also gave me the chance to start fresh and pursue a career that I had always been drawn to.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson that I had to unlearn is the belief that all artists are doomed to a life of poverty and financial struggle. This is a common stereotype that has been perpetuated in society for many years, and it can be a discouraging notion for aspiring artists. However, as I began to learn more about the creative industries and the experiences of successful artists, I came to realize that this belief is not necessarily true. While it is true that many artists face financial challenges, it is also true that there are many successful artists who are able to make a living from their creative work.
The backstory behind this lesson is that growing up, I was always interested in the arts but was discouraged by the belief that artists are destined to be poor. This caused me to consider other career paths that I thought would provide more financial stability. However, as I grew older and began to explore my own creative talents, I realized that there are many opportunities for artists to make a living if they are willing to work hard and be creative in their approach.
Ultimately, I learned that it is important to challenge and question the stereotypes that we are exposed to, and to seek out information and experiences that can help us develop a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the world around us.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fornasaro.com
• Instagram: @RaquelFornasaro
• Facebook: @RaquelFornasaro
• Linkedin: @RaquelFornasaro

Image Credits
Raquel Fornasaro