Marcos Alexandre Leal is a Brazilian visual artist, born on June 10, 1967, in Caxias do Sul – RS, where he currently resides.
A designer, draftsman, and final artist, these were some of the roles he developed throughout his professional journey. A self-taught artist, he began his pictorial experiences in 1980, drawing inspiration from everyday life and his experiences across various cities and villages in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul.
His first contact with painting materials came through artisanal work, such as painting on raw fabrics. His passion and skills for drawing grew stronger, highlighting his pursuit of visual enhancement, aesthetics, and experimentation in this field.
By 1982, he illustrated his first oil paintings, focusing primarily on depicting nature and animals, themes that were constant in his daily life. Throughout his artistic journey, Leal explored various styles, always seeking ways to express his aspirations and emotions.
Between approximately 1986 (after leaving the military) and 1997, the year he held his first solo exhibition, the artist worked in technical drawing for various companies in the furniture and decoration industry, developing projects for both mass production and interior design.
During this period, Leal also dedicated himself to the mathematical study of drawing, becoming an excellent perspective draftsman, which led him to cubism and allowed him to fully express himself within this artistic language. Leal also worked as a final artist, creating works for various printing companies, developing ink drawings on tracing paper (artwork for silk-screen printing).
In 1997, he held his first solo exhibition titled “Paisagens Gaúchas” (Gaucho Landscapes). From there, Leal established his own style, which he calls “rounded cubism,” using acrylic on canvas and vibrant colors. He developed themes that depict human beings in their social environment and their relationship with the world, giving special attention to the female form.
In 1999, Leal received an invitation and traveled to Europe, settling in Milan, Italy, where he presented his work to critics and the public. Working in his atelier on European soil, Leal practiced his art, experimenting with painting techniques and refining them under the eyes of local artists and critics. Also in 1999, he participated in various exhibitions across the country and in international venues.
After 1999, Leal continued to hold solo and group exhibitions and workshops, mainly in the southern part of Brazil.
Marcos Leal, as he signs his works, is self-taught, without formal academic training, but throughout his life, he has always sought knowledge and experience, many of which are reflected in his paintings. What makes his art palpable is his deep desire to spread this language through expression and emotion.
EXHIBITIONS
2008 – A Look at Childhood - TJRGS - Porto Alegre – RS
2007 – Terra Arte Exhibition – Intimate Painting - Joinville – SC
2007 – Dr. Henrique Ordovás Filho Cultural Center - Caxias do Sul – RS
2006 – London Décor – Collection - Londrina – PR
2004 – Estela Schimitz Gallery Exhibition - Criciúma - SC
2004 – Kioshi Takano Photographic Museum - Uraí – PR
2003 – Women – Municipal Free Studio - Cachoeira do Sul – RS
2003 – Duets – Neuza Montoya Art Office - Londrina – PR
2002 – Duets II – Fast Frame Gallery - Porto Alegre - RS
2002 – Women – MDI - Londrina – PR
2002 – Helaine Schneider Art Gallery - Curitiba – PR
2002 – Brazilian Embassy Athens - Athens, Greece
2002 – House of Brazil - Madrid – Spain
2002 – Canning House Gallery - London – England
2002 – Pro-Culture Association - Santa Cruz do Sul – RS
2002 – Marcos Leal's Cubism – Moinhos Shopping - Porto Alegre – RS
2002 – 1st Portobello Shop Space - Londrina - PR
2001 – Duets - Iguatemi Shopping - Caxias do Sul – RS
2001 – Duets - Atlântico Shopping - Camboriú – SC
2001 – Duets - SESC - Caxias do Sul – RS
2001 – Duets - SESC - Lages - SC
2001 – UCCLA – University of Portugal - Lisbon - Portugal
2000 – Women Exhibition – Casa da Cultura - Gramado – RS
2000 – Cultural Project SUR - Havana - Cuba
1999 – Rainbow Project - Caxias do Sul – RS
1999 – Women Exhibition - SESC - Lages – SC
1999 – Lages Cultural Foundation - Lages – SC
1999 – Art Panorama - Caxias do Sul - RS
1998 – 1st Women Exhibition – Special Reserve - Caxias do Sul – RS
1998 – Women Exhibition - Capeletti Gallery - Milan - Italy
1997 – Gaucho Landscapes – Banrisul Cultural Space - Caxias do Sul - RS
1997 – Gaucho Landscapes – Cosmos Hotel - Caxias do Sul – RS
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