Brazilian artist Johny Alexandre Gomes, better known as Jota, left the Chapadão Complex, in Rio de Janeiro, to conquer the city of Milan , in Italy, with an unprecedented exhibition at the Galleria Mimmo Scognamiglio.
At the age of 24, the young painter took a new series of works to the capital of Lombardy, called “Dream Under Construction”, in which the artist portrays life in Rio’s communities.
“I want to share my experiences within the community, whether it’s a child flying a kite or playing ball, a person having a bad or good day, or even when there’s a police operation.
I want to show things that are not so easily seen within the community, both the good and the bad side,” said Jota in an interview with ANSA.
In total, 16 paintings produced by the Brazilian will remain on display until November 22 at the Milan gallery. “It was an extremely happy feeling to be able to take my art abroad, something I never imagined I would do at this point in my career. I am very happy to be able to exhibit in one of the cradles of art and I hope it has a very positive impact,” he said.
Jota, who has already participated in exhibitions at the São Paulo Museum of Art (Masp) and in the Netherlands, explained that the “incredible” experience in Italy, a place with a “totally different” environment, is another step towards the goal of helping other people in his community to pursue a career in art.
“I also want to help other people in the same way that I was helped, such as opening an organization to create opportunities for residents who are interested in working with art,” he said.
After praising Italian food and highlighting the architectural beauty of Milan, Jota said he doesn't want to stop there. His goal now is to promote other exhibitions in Brazil and around the world to finally achieve “financial stability” through art. (HANDLE)
