João Carlos Galvão (Brazilian b. 1941) Sem Titulo (Untitled) Paint on wood Signed, titled, inscribed and dated 2001 (verso) together with studio stamp 70 x 70cm (27½ x 27½ in.) Provenance: Purchased direct from the artist in Paris by the present owner in 2002 João Carlos Galvão was born in Brazil in 1941. Galvão studied at The National School of Fine Arts at the Univeristy of Brazil between 1964 and 1966. Galvão moved to Paris to continue his studies in art under the tutorage of Jean Cassou (1897-1986), the first director of the Musée national d'Art moderne, Paris. During the late 60s Galvão worked in the atelier workshops of Victor Vasarely, Antonio Asis and Sergio Camargo. Galvão became assoictaed with the MADI cultural movement founded by Carmelo Arden Quin during the 1940s in Buenos Aires. This gave Galvão the confidence to experiment with curved wood, geometric shapes and non-representational art. The present work is made to viewed from all angles in order to experience the full relief of the piece. Between the individual geometric forms, which are sometimes round or sometimes cubes, there are three dimensional cavities, grooves and spaces. The individual pieces of painted wood constructed together create shadows across the relief creating a harmony and dynamism. Curator's Comment I The mastery of this piece is it's relief. Make sure that this piece can be seen from many angles. Lighting is also important, if possible direct a spotlight towards it to pick up on the shadows and enhance the depth of the piece. Hang this piece against a neutral wall to create a minimalist interior or contrast with a dark blue feature wall to make a strong impact.