Artist Rodrigo Franzao
Brazilian artist Rodrigo Franzao creates dynamic works of art that draw inspiration from textile and kinetic art, applying these influences to various forms of mixed media. The result are artworks filled with movement that emphasize themes of sustainability.
Who is Rodrigo Franzao?
Rodrigo Franzao is a Brazilian contemporary artist known for blending textile art with mixed media to create layered works of art that emphasize themes of ecological sustainability. By experimenting with fabric, acrylic paint, and eco-friendly mediums, Rodrigo emphasizes environmental consciousness at the heart of his creative process.
Using hundreds of delicately folded paper strips, Rodrigo crafts layered canvases that mimic cyclical patterns found in nature. The arrangement of these folded strips produces a dynamic sense of movement, reminiscent of kinetic art. His interplay of form, light, shadow, and texture creates a captivating effect that merges organic and artificial aesthetics, resulting in a unique artistic expression that draws viewers in.
After living in São Paulo, Rodrigo relocated to New Orleans, where he is now based. His work continues to integrate textile art and recycled materials, with sustainability remaining a central artistic theme.
Franzao’s canvases evoke kinetic movement through his intricate folding of different paper strips. In such, Rodrigo creates a dynamic interplay of light, shadow, color, and texture. This movement and depth add to the richness of his works, while also establishing a dynamic connection with viewers.
The artist’s innovative approach has earned him international recognition, making him a sought-after name among collectors. In 2019, Franzao founded the virtual museum Museu Têxtil and launched the art magazine InTheArts. He has also participated in major art fairs and biennials, including the 2024 International Paper & Textile Art Biennial at the Cultural Community Center GC Den Breughel in Belgium and the 2015 International Biennial on Textile Art - Fibremen 5 in Ukraine.
Franzao’s works can be found in private collections across cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, London, Madrid, Berlin, Lisbon, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, as well as in notable public collections such as the University of North Alabama, The National Arts Club in New York, the Exhibition Center Museum of Odivelas in Lisbon, and the Museum of the Superior Court of Justice in Brasília.
Throughout his career, Rodrigo Franzao has encouraged viewers to reflect on universal themes of life, society, and nature by exploring the interconnectedness of opposing elements through his distinct artistic style. With a background in Literature and Arts, an MBA in Museology and Art History, and specializations in Psychopedagogy and Art Therapy, Franzao’s practice is deeply rooted in the dynamic interaction of forms, colors, and textures.
