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Rutenilton Melo

"I first started carving on wood at the age of 16 but soon after I began to hand-craft copper objects. I gradually began to conquer a space in painting through effort and dedication – I'm practically self-taught. I must acknowledge I have been fortunate for the past 20 years to be able to develop my work in this way.

"My first accomplishment was to find a space to exhibit my work. I am a founding member of Rua do Pintor (The Painter's Street).

"Unfortunately artists – who are so important to the cultural foment of our city and country – do not receive adequate support from the government to continue their work. We live as we can. Yet whoever lives from art cannot allow oneself to be tormented by the lack of ideal conditions. We must always keep a tranquil mind and spirit in order to create beautiful images. I tend to paint fantastical abstracts and tropical landscapes as I find inspiration in the exuberance of the Mata Atlântica forests in Rio de Janeiro."

Rutenilton Melo has participated in various important exhibitions in Brazil.