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Paulo Melo

"I think that the role of the artist is to portray the socio-political reality of the era in which we live, reconciling the political theme with aesthetics. I mainly paint the urban landscape, trying to capture its social aspects and focusing on problems like those without land or home. There is always a political focus in my painting, which couldn’t be any other way because this point of view is omnipresent in my life. I have been a member of the administration of the Ipanema Market since it was founded. The market is a traditional haven for artists and artisans in Rio de Janeiro, and we have had to fight hard to achieve recognition from the authorities. It is a continual battle in order to guarantee this democratic space for the arts.

"The majority of the artists feel alienated and don't realize the transformational potential existent within a work of art. I admire artists like Franz Krajcberg, who embraces ecological causes and brings this polemic to the world through his sculptures.

"I try to encourage people to present themes that are linked to the reality of the people. In October of 2001 I received a special Honorable Mention in an art gallery set up at the Military Club of Rio de Janeiro for a painting in protest of the internationalization of the Amazon."