Rodrigo Franzão
"Franzao’s practice intricately examines the relationship between form, texture, and color while emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility."
Rodrigo Franzão is a Brazilian contemporary artist renowned for his innovative exploration of textile and mixed media art. With a background in Literature, Arts, and Art History, Franzao’s practice intricately examines the relationship between form, texture, and color while emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. His work incorporates eco-friendly materials, such as FSC-certified German paper and acrylic paints, highlighting his commitment to ethical artistic practices.
Each piece begins with the meticulous folding and layering of pieces of paper, a process that establishes depth, texture, and movement, evoking a sense of kinetic energy within the static. The application of acrylic paint follows, where a refined monochromatic gradient is introduced. Dark to light transitions culminate in a concentrated point of white, simulating the nuanced flow of natural light as it shifts across the canvas.
Based in New Orleans, Franzão is the founder of Museu Têxtil, a virtual museum, and InTheArts, an art magazine dedicated to textile and mixed media practices. Franzao reinforces his status as an influential figure in the global art scene with various other curatorial projects, all the while being a guiding force in the field of sustainable art.
"My work is a dialogue between materiality, light, and form, where I engage with the inherent properties of sustainable, FSC-certified German paper and acrylic paints to explore the delicate tension between nature and creation. This practice is not simply an aesthetic pursuit, but a testament to a philosophy that honors the environment while pushing the boundaries of visual perception.
Each piece begins with the meticulous folding and layering of pieces of paper, a process that establishes depth, texture, and movement, evoking a sense of kinetic energy within the static. The interplay of light and shadow that results from the physicality of the paper serves as a dynamic force, activating the work in response to its surrounding space. I seek to create a visual experience where the audience is invited to consider not only the composition but also the ephemeral nature of light itself.
The application of acrylic paint follows, where a refined monochromatic gradient is introduced. Dark to light transitions culminate in a concentrated point of white, simulating the nuanced flow of natural light as it shifts across the canvas. This gradient speaks to the fleeting nature of time, a theme that runs through my work, inviting contemplation on the cycles of change and renewal in both the natural world and human existence.
My commitment to sustainability extends beyond the surface, serving as a guiding principle in every phase of creation. The conscious use of eco-friendly materials reflects my deep respect for the planet, underscoring the belief that art should not only resonate in the present moment but contribute to a future in which beauty and responsibility coexist. In this way, my work becomes a celebration of balance—between art and environment, form and formlessness, permanence and impermanence."
- Rodrigo Franzão
Rodrigo Franzão (b. 1982) is a Brazilian contemporary artist renowned for his innovative exploration of textile and mixed media art. With a background in Literature, Arts, and Art History, Franzao’s practice intricately examines the relationship between form, texture, and color while emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. His work incorporates eco-friendly materials, such as FSC-certified German paper and acrylic paints, highlighting his commitment to ethical artistic practices.
Franzão’s art features dynamic layers of folded paper and textures that evoke a sense of movement, offering viewers a tactile, immersive experience. Based in New Orleans, he has exhibited internationally in prestigious venues, including the International Paper & Textile Art Biennial (Belgium, 2024) and the International Biennial on Textile Art – Fibremen 5 (Ukraine, 2015). He is also a regular presence at major art fairs such as Art Miami (2024), Expo New York (2024), and Art Palm Beach (2025), and has participated in prominent auctions dedicated to noble causes, further cementing his role as a socially conscious artist, such as ART FOR LIFE for the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS in Chicago (2024) and VCPORA for Safeguarding the Heritage of the French Quarter in New Orleans (2023).
Franzão’s works are part of significant collections, including the University of North Alabama, the Robert Yahner Collection (Curator of The National Arts Club, New York), and the Museum of the Superior Court of Justice in Brasília. His solo exhibition The Soul of the Water (2023) at Jillian Mac Fine Arts in New Orleans, curated by Jill McGaughey, solidified his position in contemporary art. He also featured in ART NOW at Hearst Tower in Manhattan, curated by Betty Levin.
A thought leader in the textile art community, Franzão is the founder of Museu Têxtil, a virtual museum, and InTheArts, an art magazine dedicated to textile and mixed media practices. His curatorial projects, including Threads of Tomorrow (2024) and Textile Expressions (2023), continue to shape the future of contemporary textile art, reinforcing his status as an influential figure in the global art scene.
