In a world where the ephemeral often overshadows the enduring, Marcus Vinicius de Paula stands as a testament to the timeless. A Brazilian-American sculptor based in New York, de Paula’s work melds the ancient with the futuristic, creating monolithic sculptures that evoke both the weight of history and the promise of the cosmos.
Born to Brazilian immigrants, with a father who directed Mars missions at NASA, de Paula’s upbringing was steeped in the vastness of space and the intricacies of engineering. This unique perspective informs his art, where he juxtaposes materials as old as a billion years – volcanic rock, granite, and alabaster – with the ethereal glow of neon and LED lights. These sculptures, named after moons of Saturn, are at once relics of a lost civilization and artifacts of one yet to come.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for de Paula’s creative evolution. With his Brooklyn studio inaccessible, he embarked on a cross-country journey with his wife, transforming a cargo trailer into a mobile workshop. From the deserts of Utah to the coasts of California, he sourced local materials and drew inspiration from the landscapes he encountered. This nomadic period culminated in a series of sculptures that blend the rawness of nature with the precision of design, reflecting both the fragility and resilience of the human spirit during uncertain times.
Influenced by the Brutalist and Modernist architecture of his native Brazil, de Paula’s sculptures resonate with a sense of place and history. As a teenager, he would walk the streets of Rio de Janeiro, absorbing the city’s visual culture which supplemented his parents’ shared memories. These experiences continue to inform his art, allowing him to navigate an evolving relationship with his heritage while creating works that speak to both the past and the future.
De Paula’s work challenges us to reconsider our legacy and our place in the cosmos. Through his sculptures, he invites us to reflect on the materials we use, the marks we leave, and the stories we tell. In a world that often values the transient, de Paula’s sculptures remind us of the enduring power of creation.
