Colatina, Brazil , 1925 —
Vitória, Brazil, 1999

Studies at the São Francisco de Assis Seminary in Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo 1932 – 1939. In the first-half of the 1940s produces his first drawings. Moves to Rio de Janeiro in 1946 and begins to paint. Participates in live-drawing sessions and classes on the theory of colours. Works for both advertising and graphic design companies. In 1952 begins to experiment with woodcutting and printing, and in this medium, uncovers a particular proficiency. Towards the later stage of the 1950s, and for many following years, his work shows great influence from the concrete movement. Organizes his first individual show in 1965 in the Galeria Relevo (RJ). From the first-half of 1960 dedicates his practice to abstraction, working primarily with printing techniques. In 1967 receives the Itamarati prize at the 9th International São Paulo Biennale. In the 1970s produces a series of works called Cordéis, with references close to the kinetic art movement. In 1975 receives a prize for the Best Engraving Exhibition of the year by the Association of São Paulo Art Critics (APCA) for his individual show at Galeria Contorno (SP). In 1977 joins the Project for Constructivism in Art organized at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro and in the Pinacoteca from the state São Paulo. A retrospective of his work is organized at Paço Imperial in Rio de Janeiro in 1989 and in the following year in the Museum of Modern Art in São Paulo. In 1998 returns to his native state for the largest retrospective of his work, in the Museum of Art in Espírito Santo. The artist participates actively in the organization of this exhibition, but passes away before its completion. In 2008 the same Museum – now named Dionísio Del Santo – celebrates its 10th anniversary with an important exhibition dedicated to the artist consolidating the artist’s insertion in the Brazilian art history.