Matheus Rocha Pitta

Matheus Rocha Pitta, born in 1980 in Tiradentes, Brazil, is an artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans photography, sculpture, video, and installations.

Matheus Rocha Pitta's Art Style

Rocha Pitta's work explores the dual processes of apprehension and conversion. Apprehension, in his context, carries a dual meaning: 'to take hold or confiscate' and 'to understand and perceive.' By employing images and objects – commodities appropriated from the external world – Rocha Pitta articulates and comprehends specific realities. Conversion, on the other hand, refers to the transformative exchange between matter and images, turning these interactions into phenomenological experiences. His exhibitions are often designed as circuits, inviting viewers to engage with and connect the various elements presented, creating a cohesive narrative.

Rocha Pitta's art is characterized by its focus on unearthing gestures, rituals, and forgotten narratives. His sculptures, photographs, and films shed new light on pressing contemporary issues such as climate change, Brazilian colonial history, and oppressive regimes. By reviving these gestures and rituals, his work explores the intricate bonds of possession, language, and the human body, revealing profound ethical implications. 

Matheus Rocha Pitta's Exhibitions and Recognitions

Matheus Rocha Pitta has achieved international recognition for his thought-provoking work. He has been awarded the Illy Sustain Art Prize in Madrid (2008) and participated in significant biennials such as the 9th Taipei Biennial (2014) and the 29th São Paulo Biennial (2010).

His solo exhibitions include prestigious venues like Kunstverein in Hamburg (2020) and Fondazione Morra Greco in Naples (2013). His works are also part of major public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro and the Castello di Rivoli in Turin.