An interview with the Brazilian muralist, painter, and curator Enivo—revolutionizing the definition of street art.
At the age of twelve, Brazilian artist Marcos Ramos, better known as Enivo, created his first grafiti. Now at 36, Enivo has become an incredible muralist, painter, and curator with works that spread all over Brazil, the US, and the globe. Enivo was born in the neighborhood of Grajaú in São Paulo, Brazil. Surrounded by artist friends, Enivo grew up in a world of art where not a single wall was ever left blank.
The Brown Art Review got the opportunity to speak with Enivo, where he gave us insight into his career—please note that his answers were translated from Portuguese to English.In this interview, Enivo describes his beginnings in the practice of street art. “I was chosen by street art, I didn’t choose it. Ever since I was a kid I’ve always loved it. It's what has always moved me, the way in which I made my friendships, the way in which I communicate with the world. I am seen and I exist through street art.”
Throughout his many years of creation, Enivo has produced a plethora of works ranging from enormous murals to small studio pieces inspired by his upbringings in Grajaú, as well as his experiences abroad. His works depict moments from his experiences and observations, with references to themes such as afrofuturism and the various emotions of everyday life. He finds it essential to depict the experiences of people of color in his work. No matter the scale of the canvas, whether it's a small frame or a tall building, Enivo prioritizes each and every piece.
He describes his work as “an expression of the moment. Each moment is valid, so I value each and every one of them. I include various symbols and signs in my work of prosperity, strength, and protection. There are also the emojis, which depict the feelings—all the happiness and sadness.”
In addition to producing his own work, in a collaboration with Tché Ruggi, Cristiano Kana, Alexandre Enokawa, and Raymond Supino, Enivo helped to create the A7MA Gallery in São Paulo, Brazil in 2012. The gallery emerged from the union of the “Coletivo 132” and “Fullhouse” groups to create a space that amplifies the voices of street artists. Enivo describes the creation of A7MA as a “ union of artists, print-makers, and the movement of the urban scene—made possible through the cooperation of young artists full of the will to make things happen.”
A7MA describes itself as a direct extension of the street. They hope to give visibility to art that ordinarily is not given so much recognition in the market. Some of their exhibitions have included Chi Modu’s photography depicting American rappers of the 90s, a tribute show to DI—an impactful graffiti artist of the 90s— titled “Pichar é Humano” (which translates to graffiti is human), and many more.
Enivo has had an enormous impact in bringing life and meaning to the walls of various cities in the world. His murals and paintings are a direct translation of the cultures he exists in. Culture is an essential and enriching aspect of Enivo’s work. He describes how his “trips outside of Brazil are so enriching. Through them I can understand other thoughts, people, and cultures—all of which I add to my work. I love to observe the moment and the place I am living in as well as what I am feeling to build on my work.”
By combining Brazilian elements with little pieces from all of his experiences, Enivo creates powerful pieces. His work as an artist as well as initiatives such as the A7MA gallery have revolutionized the way in which street art is perceived, giving voice to this media that has so much to say and so many stories to tell.
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