The artist says his work is influenced by the principles of architectural language and the legacy of early 20th century’s geometrical abstraction. The drawings and sculptures are characterised by experimental methods that highlight the transition between spatial representation and physical expression of the objects. The materials used are industrialised and widely available - steel pipe, rubber, MDF, wood, washers, screws and nails for example. Formally the works have a simple resolution and an economy of gestures that operate in the interaction between the parts and/ or materials that constitute the piece.
Canonico was born in Pirassununga, Brazil 1974. His CV includes the postgraduate Programme, Royal Academy Schools, London: 2017-2020 Degree in Architecture and Town Planning at Faculdade de Belas Artes de São Paulo, 1999 Recent Shows "Buraco" Galeria Marilias Razuk - SP, Brazil (solo) 2019 "Standstill" Kubik Gallery - Porto, Portugal (duo with Paul Barlow), 2019 "Premiums Interim Projects 2019" Royal Academy of Arts - London, UK (group) “Serpent and Shadow” Royal Academy of Arts, curated by Martin Westwood - London, UK 2018.
The Judge’s Special Commendation has been awarded to Estabrak Al-Ansari for her work Viver from her body of work Brazilians Under Water The artist aims to make visible hidden and submerged cultural discourses within our world via the physical matter of water. Brazilian currents are often moody, with its waters vastly changing from region to region. The artist’s work explores the relationship between the body and oneself, poking at questions relevant to our existence, and are often fueled by the concepts of existing in places in which humans cannot exist in for long periods of time.
Al-Ansari has been named one of 'five incredible underwater artists' by BBC's 'Pursuit of Beauty: Art Beneath the Waves' podcast, BBC Radio 2018. Previous works have been showcased in such places as New York, Dubai and Berlin, along the way exhibiting at Royal Academy of Arts, & TATE Britain, London, UK. Al-Ansari is based in London. She is originally from Iraq, born in Iran and raised in London, after coming to the UK with her family as a child refugee.
All of the shortlisted works from the VIA Arts Prize will be on display in London at the Embassy of Brazil’s Sala Brasil until Wednesday 11th December 2019. The exhibition is free to visit from Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm.