Sacilotto

Luiz Sacilotto’s artistic journey unfolded as he graduated from a vocational school in 1943 and pursued his passion for the arts. He honed his skills in painting at the Escola Profissional Masculina do Brás and mastered the art of drawing at the Associação Brasileira de Belas Artes. While fostering his artistic talents, he also worked as a draftsman and became a designer of metal frames, all while maintaining a lifelong studio-residence in his hometown of Santo André, São Paulo.

In the 1940s, Sacilotto’s artistic expressions were figurative in nature, but by the 1950s, he transitioned towards concretism. It was during this transformative period that he crossed paths with influential figures like Waldemar Cordeiro and Lothar Charoux. Together, they co-founded the Ruptura Group. In 1951, Sacilotto made a notable contribution to the 1st São Paulo International Biennial. His involvement extended to signing the manifesto that marked the inception of the Brazilian concretist movement.

In 1952, his works took center stage in the exhibition “Ruptura” at the Museum of Modern Art in São Paulo. Subsequently, his art was showcased in various editions of the São Paulo International Biennial. Additionally, he represented Brazil at the Venice Biennale in 1952 and participated in the National Exhibition of Concrete Art in São Paulo in 1956, as well as in the Rio de Janeiro edition at the Ministry of Education and Culture in 1957. His contributions extended internationally, as he played a role in the “Konkrete Kunst” exhibition in Zurich, Switzerland in 1960, an event organized by Max Bill.

In 1963, he played a pivotal role as one of the founders of the New Tendencies Visual Arts Association. Sacilotto’s artistic repertoire encompassed painting, drawing, sculpture, engraving, and gouache. His work is described by artist and Master in Visual Arts, Paula Caetano, as that of a “universal artist who always remained faithful to his work and his concepts.” Jacob Klintowitz, an art critic, highlights Sacilotto’s historical significance as one of the first concretists. His artistic journey was marked by a commitment to geometric precision, a focus on shapes and their interplay, and a dedication to the core principles of his craft. In his work, he delved into the nature of objects, shapes, and their relation to each other. He approached his art with a logic and internal consistency that allowed shapes, planes, and weights to take on a life of their own, ultimately becoming the essence of his work.

Luiz Sacilotto received numerous accolades for his contributions to the world of visual arts. His enduring impact on the art world and his commitment to the principles of geometric art continue to be celebrated.