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Biography

A Singular View of International Contemporary Art

Horten Werneck is a name that resonates in the international contemporary art scene. His work, characterized by a singular aesthetic and a profound sensitivity, invites us to immerse ourselves in a unique visual universe where tradition and innovation meet. Situated within the context of international contemporary art, Horten Werneck develops a body of work that engages with the great issues of our time. His artistic output, marked by social engagement and a rich and complex visual language, reflects the social and cultural transformations sweeping across the globe. Prepare yourself for a fascinating journey through Horten Werneck's artistic universe.

Born in 1961, Horten Werneck has followed an artistic path marked by experimentation and an incessant search for new forms of expression. His work, rich in symbolism and emotion, reflects a critical and sensitive perspective on the reality that surrounds him.

With a solid background in visual arts and an intense artistic life experience, Werneck developed a unique style, characterized by vibrant colors, expressive forms, and a deep connection with nature and popular culture. His works, which move between painting, sculpture, and installation, invite the spectator to a deep immersion in his particular universe.

A Continuous Artistic Journey

My artistic language was shaped not only by my own experiences but also by the indelible influence of masters such as Volpi, Modigliani, and Picasso. This erudite foundation manifested in the first significant series, such as the Galo (Rooster) Series, which became an in-depth study of form and movement, exploring the rich symbology of this animal in different cultures. In contrast, the Conivência (Complicity) series delved into more complex social themes, such as drug use and societal conventions.

Artistic creation is, above all, a continuous process of learning and discovery. With each new series, I challenge myself to explore techniques and materials, always seeking to expand my horizons. The Mão e Terra (Hand and Earth) series, for example, is a direct reflection of my growing connection with nature and ancestry. The 80s, with their cultural effervescence, marked a crucial period where exhibiting my works in spaces like shopping centers and hotels (Eldorado was an important partner) allowed me to bring art closer to the general public.

Retirement, in turn, allowed me to dedicate myself fully to my art, intensifying the thematic depth. The Holocausto Tributo (Holocaust Tribute) series is an example of this, a tribute to the victims that touched me deeply. Through art, I seek not only to express my emotions but also to provoke reflection and debate on relevant themes. My life and my art are intrinsically linked, which is reflected in tributes like the series Mulher com lata d'água na cabeça (Woman with a water can on her head), inspired by the strength and resilience of rural women, and the Na roça (In the Countryside) series, which celebrates the beauty and simplicity of rural life.

Art is my universal language. Through it, I can express what words cannot reach, and I seek to connect with the public, awakening emotions. The acquisition of my works by collectors of diverse nationalities is a sign that my art is transcending borders and cultures. It is a continuous journey of discovery and self-knowledge, which now leads me to a new territory: that of digital abstraction. The search for the essence of the Rooster, which began in the figurative, now demands a new precision, a new rigor. It is time to dematerialize form to find the truth of the DSG Series (Galo Series Development).

Memories and Emotions of Childhood

My favorite classroom was a cozy refuge where sunlight filtered through the curtains, creating a warm atmosphere. It was there that I sat at my wooden desk, ready to dive into the world of imagination during art classes. With brushes in hand and vibrant paints, I brought colorful drawings to life that transported me to other worlds.

The boy who dreamed of being a priest and an artist carries with him the essence of the child who found joy in the simple things of life. The vibrant colors of the paintings, the peace of nature, the beauty of music, and the strength of faith shaped the person I am. And, no matter how much time passes, the child that lives within me continues to explore the world with the same curiosity and enthusiasm as before.

The passion for art led me to enroll in the renowned School of Fine Arts of São Paulo in the 80s. The proximity to the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios (Arts and Crafts Lyceum), where the celebrated sculptor Brecheret had left his mark, awakened a deep admiration for the masters of Brazilian art. The contact with other artists and the rich collection of the State Pinacoteca, located in the same building, provided a creative and stimulating environment, solidifying my decision to pursue an artistic career.

Childhood Emotion – Transforming Sensations into Words

The white and the piano stand fixed in memory. The white of my shirt, impeccable like blank paper, contrasted with the elegance of the black piano that echoed soft melodies through the classroom. I tried to imitate the notes with my fingers, dreaming of composing my own music.

In drawings and approval, I found a world. The search for the teacher’s approval was an incentive to go further, to try new techniques and express my feelings on paper.

The Art of Transformation – An Artist in Constant Flux

I remember that afternoon in 1992, in the SEBRAE-SP meeting room, buzzing with ideas. The proposal to create a visual arts center for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was audacious, but the need was latent. That was the starting point for a journey that would transform me not only as a professional but as a person.

The CAV (Centro de Artes Visuais / Visual Arts Center) was more than a project; it was a dream. Seeing small businesses gain visual life, with logos and graphic materials that reflected their essence, was gratifying. The transition to teaching was a new chapter in this journey. The classroom became my stage, and the students, my co-creators.

The Conivência series was an inner cry, a reflection of what I saw around me. The move to the countryside felt like a rebirth. Nature, with its vibrant colors and vital energy, inspired me to create lighter and more intuitive works.

Today, looking back, I see a trajectory marked by a constant search for new challenges and a passion for art. The CAV, teaching, and artistic creation are the three legs that support my life.

The Disappearance and the Revelation – The Mystery of the Disappearance

On the morning of an ordinary day, something extraordinary happened: all the displayed paintings vanished. The news quickly spread through the art community and the press.

The police investigation, after weeks of searches and interrogations, revealed an unexpected and painful conclusion. The perpetrator of the theft was not a professional thief, but someone very close: my first wife. With surprising cunning, she had forged an authorization in my name, deceiving the gallery administrator and taking the works I had labored over so hard.

The discovery was a devastating blow. The loss of the paintings represented much more than material damage; they carried a part of my soul. The betrayal by the person who once loved me made me question the nature of human relationships and the fragility of trust.

A Creative Retreat in the Countryside

In search of peace and inspiration, we decided to move to a small house in the countryside. Surrounded by exuberant nature, we found the perfect sanctuary for creation and life. The move represented a return to a calmer essence, mirroring the search for a purer language in art.

The studio, now overlooking a flowery garden, became my sanctuary. Nature, in its infinite beauty, became my muse, offering a palette and serenity that urban life had suppressed. This immersion in nature gave me a profound sense of peace and well-being that was directly reflected in my creations, closing the cycle between life, environment, and art.

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