2018 Residency:
Ivan Grilo

IVAN GRILO, born in 1986, explores the symbolism found in silences and pauses, creating works that transcend the visual and touch on profound and often invisible aspects of human existence. Writing is a central element in his poetics, with literature serving as the foundation for many of his pieces.

His texts, often materialized as bronze plaques, are also transformed and incorporated into his work, reinforcing the idea that his art is an extension of himself, requiring care and attention as if they were part of a fragile being.

Grilo is also dedicated to recovering forgotten stories and memories, particularly within the Latin American context. Through research in archives, museums, and oral narratives, he weaves a narrative fabric where facts, legends, and myths intertwine. His work frequently blurs the conventional hierarchies between fact and fiction, crafting narratives that question the very nature of historical truth.

Grilo's work is marked by a continuous reflection on temporality. He investigates how time alters and transforms both physical and symbolic structures, addressing themes such as colonization and the military dictatorship in Brazil. Using a variety of materials and techniques, the artist creates impactful pieces that provoke critical reflection on history and contemporary society.