The Developed World
Adriana Carvalho Juxtaposes Women and Work

By Angie Hargot

Eventually, she came to wield a welding torch as expertly as she would fine lace.

With the goal of addressing the roles of women in society and the expectations of both strength and delicacy women are held to, artist Adriana Carvalho embarked on an education as varied as the pieces she creates – infiltrating a man’s world to do it.

Her "Love Series" consists of 'sheer' t-shirts which display slogans that range from the expected to the sardonic – everything from “sugar baby” to “kiss my ass,” and form a fond flippancy toward both the trend and the viewer.

Although the artist often works with digital imagery, Carvalho’s most recognizable work centers in building the dress shape out of metal pieces such as tin can lids and pop-tops, and constructing elaborate corsets and ball gown-like sculptures out of ironic materials.

The Brazilian-born artist uses different kinds of industrial materials such as steel wool, brass wire, tin cans and aluminum to create the fragile symbols of femininity.

Carvalho began her artistic career with an apprenticeship in the art school-less town of Taquaritinga, Brazil, hand crafting small dolls and evolving to use materials such as corn, seeds and sugarcane sticks.

Relocating to Chicago, Carvalho eventually juxtaposed the industrial architecture she was inspired by there with the organic themes and materials of her native country - and the social commentary that transcends cultural lines.

How did it all start?
I was, and will always be, a dreamer. And like many kids, I played with clay and found objects to create my fantasy world of people and places. As I matured, I found little that satisfied me as did the arts, and was later drawn to welding by the way of a fortune teller who told me I needed fire in my life to give balance to the feminine and sensitive side of my personality.

Tell us about your artistic education?

I received my BA at a college in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but I’m mostly self-educated. Over time I took classes in trade schools for mechanics and, metal forming, which was intimidating at first because I was the only woman in a male-dominated environment. But what really propelled me into the world of metal sculpture was when I had the opportunity to live and work in Chicago. The culture of Chicago is very inspirational as they have many public art works in and around the city and surrounding neighborhoods. What I loved most was the merging of the old iron structures and new modern architecture.

How you describe your artistic vision?
Invention and the challenge of creating art work with unusual materials to depict love, humor or sensuality. Social commentary while maintaining a posture of beauty is the goal.

Tell us about the themes of femininity.
It is through the garments that I depict characters that mirror real life. My work is often accompanied with stories or expressions that point out vulnerabilities. For example, in the series titled “Road-Kill” I take an iconic dress form that represents innocence, and crush it as if flattened under the weight of heavier forces. To further enhance the theme of femininity my "Love Series" reflects the popular trend of wearing camisoles with words that express how one feels.

The significance of the corset? The dress?
It represents the woman; the nurturer.

The significance of organic materials?
Depends, sometimes decadence or simply aging. Mostly, down to earth qualities.

What are some of the challenges in working with these unconventional materials?
It takes a good deal of strength and patience to shape and bend the material, especially since I mainly use my hands rather than rely on machines. It’s difficult because my methods are precise and meticulous. I believe technique is as important an aspect of the final artwork as the aesthetic value.

The most flattering comment you’ve ever received about your work?
“You have a brilliant mind!”

The most insulting?
“Is this a lamp?”

What are you seeing in the art world and art market in general?
A search for consistent art and meaningful values. The first years of fairs I saw lots of art that just faded in time. Here today — gone tomorrow. People are thinking about what to buy. Art is an investment, but it has to be bought with passion. Art can change an entire environment and create enormous amount of possibilities and jobs. Art creates opportunities in life, to grow and help others into a better lifestyle.

How went Art Basel and the recent Lincoln Road Art Walk?
Great! People were out and about constantly. Besides ArtCenter I was invited to participate in a new art fair called Undergrund. I shared a booth with artist David Z., where we received good exposure and comments.

What’s next for you?
Creating artwork for public display, and continuing working on my foundation, Pau de Carvalho, which teaches children through the arts.

See more of Adriana Carvalho’s work at the Art Center/South Florida, 810 Lincoln Road, Studio 111, Miami Beach, and at amcarvalho.com.

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