Isabelle Ribot – São Paulo
I was born in France and I studied art at the Ecole Régionale des Beaux Arts in Caen (Normandy). I was 25 years old when I went for the first time to Brazil. I lived for 2 years in Pindamonhangaba (São Paulo State) and in 1988, I moved to Lisbon where I stayed for several years. After a time back to France, I chose in 2002 to live in Brazil again.
About my work : at the beginning, there is a text, a short story, or a result of research… which I draw and paint on paper and canvas rolls.
Small and big characters start appearing, and numerous colors. Some made up or not maps or towns, symbols start filling the scene… the initial scenario becomes a tale, then transforms into a journey which offers different allegories and various paths.
And then, those rolls – which can measure up to 8 feet high and 98 feet long – are cut into fragments according to people’s choices and desires. Each person can choose the part they like the most or connect to; regardless of size. Then, these new artwork pieces start a life of their own and give birth to a new story made by people who chose the pieces.
The games and objects I criate are inspired by the paintings.