Gilvan Samico's Engraving Retrospective at Galeria Estação

Galeria Estação in São Paulo presents a significant exhibition of Gilvan Samico's work from May 28 to July 13, 2019. Curated by Ivo Mesquita, the show features 31 engravings, with 26 already acquired by the Fundação Marcos Amaro for FAMA's collection. The display spans Samico's three main creative phases, offering a near-retrospective view. His early black-and-white works from 1958-1959, created while studying with Lívio Abramo in São Paulo and Oswaldo Goeldi in Rio, reveal an abstract compositional thought. The 1960s saw a shift towards the cordel tradition and northeastern folk culture, with white dominating and gestures becoming deeper. From the late 1960s onward, influenced by the Armorial Movement led by Ariano Suassuna, Samico developed his signature geometric, symmetrical style. From 1977 until his death in 2013, he maintained a disciplined Calvinist spirit, producing only one engraving per year after months of meticulous study. The exhibition highlights his evolution from regional to nationally recognized artist.