FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York City--On Thursday, November 17th through Saturday December 3rd, 2011 renowned Brazilian artist Ernani Silva will launch a new exhibit of his latest artwork simply entitled “ Organic Metamorphosis “ It is a vibrant, creative song of praise to the matchless artistry and extraordinary splendor of nature, fine art which we all too often take for granted. The series opens at New Century Artist Gallery located between 10th & 11th Avenues in the heart of Chelsea at ( 530 West 25th Street, Suite 406 , New York N.Y.10001 ) 212-367-7072. Opening will be held on Thursday November 17, 2011 3:00pm- 7:00pm and Reception Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, but will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Live music performed by Ernani and Friends will be featured throughout the exhibition.
“The Earth is a rich palette of living color,” says Silva, “which woos every artist and compels him or her to put paint to canvas. When we destroy the Earth, we are silencing the magical Muse of nature, tearing at her life and leaving her in despair. Through the Organic Series I hope to remind everyone that we are one Creation. We are all organic, one living planet, and we are nature.”
In this series Ernani joyously unifies organic substances with paint to pound out rhythm and release, build depth and texture, pours on passion and sensuality, to infuse the canvas with the sparkling facets of natural color and form. He loves to integrate a mustard yellow curry or the burnt red of paprika, for example, into his work because these everyday spices exemplify rich hues that cannot be easily replicated on an artist’s palette. He reclaims what we toss away –rich brown coffee grounds, carbon black mussel shells, and pearly white dried beans. He reinterprets the commonplace in dynamic new ways, thus raising the ordinary to high art.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Silva retreated to the lush embrace of green forests full of colorful birds, sparkling waters, and dancing fish to manage the trauma of a vulnerable childhood caught up in the poverty and exploitation that ravaged his homeland. His mother taught him to respect the spirits of the forest and seek their permission to enter in. Through his spiritual drumming, singing, cooking and painting, he offers us the compassion he discovered, invoking a purity of creative expression that fills his canvas with unconditional love. There is no criticism in his work, only a melodic generosity that can divert the raging of a material world to share in the healing power of the luscious beauty he sees.
Ernani Silva is one of the most prolific artists of the 21st century. He produces only original ©, one-of-a-kind works. Each piece has been touched by the artist’s hand and represents a unique illustration of the spiritual vision he is working to express.
Contact: India DaSilva
Email: ernanifineart@gmail.com
Phone: 347-844-0455 / 516-993-2136 / 866-944-6241
BIOGRAPHY
Ernani Silva was born in Rio de Janeiro, where he encountered many adversities. At an early age of four Ernani displayed artistic gifts, but his father discouraged any involvement with the arts. He welcomed the opportunity to relocate to the United States, where he was further encouraged as an artist. Ernani is multi-lingual and well-regarded in an international audience.
Silva developed a distinctive style which reflects his Brazilian cultural influence of Native, European & African lineage. His creations are an amalgam of dance, rhythm, music and color which voice his rich mystical heritage and history. Silva is passionately attracted to the expression and emotion of his traditional music and the spiritualism of Candomble ceremonies and rituals. Silva’s palette is the alchemy of intoxicating opaque colors, as well as incorporating the use of heavy impression to create vibrant lyrical dancing figures. His work speaks a sensual language, which gives the viewer a glimpse of his intense celebrated reality, through an intoxicating palette of opaque colors and expression. He has extensive exhibition, teaching and curatorial experience in a wide variety of venues over a period of 40 plus years. His award winning work is on display throughout various galleries worldwide as well as donated to museums. Currently, Ernani "Cultural Movement of Rio de Janeiro to bring a full exchange of education through , visual art, music, culinary, language, history and tourism in preparation for the World Cup and Olympics in Brazil. Ernani Silva is one of the most prolific artists of the 21st century. He produces only original ©, one-of-a-kind works. Each piece has been touched by the artist’s hand and represents a unique illustration of the spiritual vision he is working to express.
ARTIST STATEMENT
“I appreciate my God-given talent and believe that art is a healing force. Silva states, “My art is also therapy for me; it is a cathartic force in my life as well as others. My inspiration is life itself by bringing joy, peace and healing through the power of my God given gift. My paintings are my way of touching ones spirit and soul of others. Art took control of my life and healed me from the scars of abuse. I have helped others in their healing process by sharing what I have learned.” Ernani initiated working with underprivileged youths in Rio de Janeiro as well as, the United States offerings ” Art To Heal Workshops” to children and other individuals.
He has always worked with various mediums concerned with creating new textural forms and compositions. Turning trash such as paper, empty bottles, broken glass, and discarded lumber into treasures is one of the solutions to the worlds’ problem of environmental pollution. It is my hope that my art embodies and incorporates “thrash” which will act as an inspiration for others “The Earth is a rich palette of living color,” says Silva, “which woos every artist and compels him or her to put paint to canvas. When we destroy the Earth, we are silencing the magical Muse of nature, tearing at her life and leaving her in despair. Through my “Organic Series” I hope to remind everyone that we are one Creation. We are all organic, one living planet, and we are nature.” In his latest organic creations, Ernani joyously unifies organic substances with paint to pound out rhythm and release, build depth and texture, pours on passion and sensuality, to infuse the canvas with the sparkling facets of natural color and form. He reinterprets the common place in dynamic new ways, thus raising the ordinary to high art.
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
New Century Artists Gallery, 2011
Hamptons Black International Film Festival, 2011
Art Jazz Gallery, Phila., PA 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011
Galapagos Art Space- live musical art performance-DUMBO – NY 2010
Brazil Arts Gallery, Tampa, Florida 2006, 2008, 2010
Stella Jones Gallery, New Orleans, LA- 2007-2008
Negro Ensemble Company, Exhibit, New York 2008
Artist Showcase of Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, Fl. 2008
Newark Airport “Latin Heritage Month” 2007
Breast Cancer Society LI, New York-2007
Casa Rui Barbosa “Rio de Janeiro
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
African American Museum of Philadelphia., PA, 2010, 2011
The DuSable Museum of African-American History, Chicago, 2010
American Crafts Festival - Lincoln Center, NY, NY 2010
St Stephen Art Show, Coconut Grove, FL 2010
Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago, Ill. 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010
Brazil Arts Gallery, Tampa, Florida 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010
Beaux Arts Festival of Arts, Miami 2009
Miami Beach Festival of the Arts, Miami 2009
Clinton Hill Art Festival, Brooklyn, New York, 2008
Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA 2008, 2009,
Embrace, Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia- 2006, 2007, 2008
National Black Fine Art, NYC, Puck Building, New York 2008
Gallery Guichard, “Canvas of Soul” &“Art Di Gras” Chicago, Ill. 2008, 2009
South Hampton Arts Festival, LI, New York 2008
Pier 57, Group Show, NYC-2007
“Off the Main”, Show, New York 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
“Global Vision”, Lambert Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia 2006, 2005
Erotica Group, Matthew’s Gallery, Tampa, Florida 2005
Christie's Fine Art Auction House, New York City - 1993
Stylt Gallery, Goteberg, Sweden, 1993
Pezon Gallery "100 Years of Via Lobos", Rio, 1985
BNDES Gallery "Favla & Pere e Ria” Rio de Janeiro, 1986
Petrobras Gallery, "Labor" Group Show, Rio de Janeiro, 1977
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Reconigantion from Brazila Federal Government for the inception of "Cultural Movement of Underpriveriazed Youths of Rio de Janeiro, 1986 * SEVAA- Southeastern Virginia Arts Assoc. “Fine Art -1st Prize * Grand Prize Afram Festival * Official Artist for 2005 Chicago Jazz Festival * Nubian Women’s Circle of Art Award * Women Against the Wind, has been adopted by the Breast Cancer Society of Long Island, N.Y. * Work selected by the City Hall of Tampa, Fl. to represent Brazil Celebration * Personally, acknowledged by the Rudolph W. Giuliani, Mayor of New York for artistic contribution to The New American Art Show. The Dedicators, Inc., NY. Primary supporter of MoCADA during its inception through donations of art.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
Café Brazil, New Orleans, Blue Note, West Village NY, St Nicks Pub, Harlem NY, Lincoln Center, NYC
PUBLICATIONS / INTERVIEWS
Journal Do Brazil, LA News, The New York Link, Amsterdam News, Kansas City Herald, Lawrence Journal World. Sony, UpScale, InStyle, Homes of Color, UnFold, Fox News, Jump Up TV, Mahogany TV.
SELECTED PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Edward Kennedy, Ruby Dee, Tina Knowles, Andy Garcia, Elza Soares, Cassandra Wilson, Tampa City Hall and groups like Steps Ahead & Hot Chili Peppers.
Teaching & Other Art-Related Experience
Taught ongoing courses and “Art to Heal” workshops for the mentally challenged and underprivileged in Rio De Janeiro, Georgia, South Beach Psychiatric Center & Acorn Center (NY), and Family Life Center/Domestic Violence Center for Abused Women & Children (FL.), and Children of Karina, in New Orleans. Ernani continued his education and professional development in sculpture, music and writing, Pratt Institute, New York.
