We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thais Domingues a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Thais, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At Odisseia, my mission is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Brazil, a country teeming with diverse stories and creators who find art in the most unexpected places. In my daily life, I witness the resilience of individuals facing challenges such as homelessness and lack of basic sanitation, yet exuding joy and smiles. It is this juxtaposition of hardship and happiness that fuels my purpose.

Through Odisseia, I aspire to share the vibrant Brazilian culture with the world, making art more accessible in an emerging country. My mission goes beyond mere representation; it is about sparking questioning and reflection by presenting different perspectives through art in a non-stereotypical way. I aim to break away from conventional norms and challenge preconceived notions, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.

At our most recent exhibition, IMPULSE, curated by me, Natasha Roberts and Arthur Lima, we crafted a narrative that delves into the intersection of the digital age, narcissism, and consumption. The group exhibition featured artists from Brazil, the US, and Taiwan and was hosted by the Chashama foundation in NYC. This cultural exchange, shaped by a sharp and meaningful concept, encourages each visitor to reflect on their own consumption and narcissistic habits in the virtual era. I firmly believe that presenting diverse artistic perspectives within a cohesive concept can catalyze significant societal changes.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Integrating skills derived from administration, interior design, and curatorial expertise, I am a passionate curator fascinated by the intersection of diverse fields. My professional journey is characterized by relentless curiosity, coupled with a pragmatic approach. My purpose is to bring art into people’s daily lives, providing experiences that stimulate reflection and questioning. After years in business and interior design, I found myself questioning the impact of my work on a deeper level. In 2021, through artistic collaborations, I identified the potential of talented yet disorganized artists. This realization led to the inception of Odisseia, marking the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
Odisseia facilitates artists by promoting their works and enhancing visibility through the development of innovative and immersive exhibitions. We provide comprehensive solutions for each exhibition, encompassing curatorial concepts, production, sales, and display design.
As a curator, I see my role as a catalyst for change. While I may not be the most creative, intelligent, or organized person, I excel at weaving together diverse ideas from brilliant artists into meaningful narratives through my curatorial projects. Odisseia acts as a bridge, connecting artists with individuals and institutions seeking expression and provocation through art. We distinguish ourselves from the “fast-art” movement by prioritizing the professionalization of artists’ work.
Since 2021, I have been actively involved in a curatorial program during the 2022 Venice Biennale. During this period, I had the opportunity to connect with talented colleagues, with whom I now collaborate frequently. I curated shows in São Paulo, Curitiba, Manaus, Venice, and New York, working alongside incredible artists from various age groups, cultures, career phases, and backgrounds, in partnership with different institutions such as the Chashama Foundation in NYC, the Brazilian Consulate, and the Latin America Memorial.
The term “Odisseia” holds literal significance, referring to a long wandering or journey marked by adventures, unforeseen events, and unique experiences. My aspiration is for people to sense that they are part of a distinctive journey when engaging with art.
My current workload surpasses anything I have experienced before. Each project is a result of hard work and perseverance. For every “yes” I receive, there are ten “no” responses. It’s about believing that my small role can provoke questions in our crazy yet beautiful world.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The lesson I had to unlearn is closely tied to my perfectionist nature. When I initiated Odisseia three years  ago, I believed everything had to be flawless, and once the business was launched, I couldn’t alter its course.

I established Odisseia with a clear mission: to forge a connection between artists and the world, sharing relevant content and fostering reflection and questioning. While I initially shaped all my actions around this mission, Odisseia has undergone significant changes in this short period.

In the beginning, I envisioned my primary focus would be on art sales. However, after studying, learning, and exchanging ideas, I now realize that the true essence of Odisseia lies in curating and executing exhibitions in a comprehensive manner. Consequently, business and goals have evolved, but my vision and mission remain constant. I continue to work every day to create a connection between artists and the world, sharing meaningful content and prompting reflection and questioning. Yet, I’ve come to understand that I can do this more freely and deeply as a curator rather than an artist manager.

Curating, for me, is about turning impossible things into reality, and it has become my true passion. So, for fellow perfectionists like me, my advice is to allow your business to change with you.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The podcast “How I Built This,” hosted by Guy Raz, serves as a great source of inspiration for me. It not only provides valuable insights into the ideas and business models of other entrepreneurs but also offers a sense of camaraderie and encouragement. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed, but listening to the stories of others who have faced similar challenges assures me that I am not alone in this journey. In the realm of my small and burgeoning business, I encounter new lessons and learn from my mistakes every day. Hearing from individuals who have navigated similar situations through the podcast is not only informative but also reassuring, reminding me that resilience and success are achievable even in the face of adversity.

Besides that, I love (auto)biographies and draw inspiration from unconventional figures such as Michael Jackson, Keith Richards, Steve Jobs, and David Bowie.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.odisseiaproject.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/odisseia___

Image Credits
Natasha Roberts, Fernanda Pompermayer, Denise de Andrade, Shivam Sachdeva