Chelpa Ferro
Chelpa Ferro, named after the Portuguese slang for money and steel, emerged in 1995 when Brazilian artists Barrão, Luiz Zerbini, and Sergio Mekler joined forces to explore artistic experimentation beyond their individual careers. Initially conceived as a leisurely endeavor, the collective quickly gained recognition in the Rio de Janeiro art scene, embodying a fresh, interdisciplinary approach to sculpture and sound.
Sensory Synthesis: Chelpa Ferro's Artistic Vision
Chelpa Ferro's artistic endeavors transcend conventional boundaries, merging visual art with auditory experience to create immersive environments that enthrall viewers with the power of sound. Through their transformative approach, everyday objects become animated sculptures and sound-generating instruments, inviting audiences to partake in a dynamic exchange between sight and sound.
The group's installations envelop spectators in inescapable atmospheres, where sound serves as both an enhancer and a counterpoint to the visual spectacle. Chelpa Ferro's belief in the multifaceted nature of objects fuels their exploration of the intersection between sculpture, music, and visual art, prompting playful interactions that defy expectations and spark a continuous dialogue between the senses.
Chelpa Ferro's artistic practice thrives on the unexpected and the unconventional. Drawing inspiration from the everyday world, they repurpose found objects and basic electronics to generate rhythmic sounds that challenge conventional notions of art and music. Their installations, crafted from ordinary materials sourced from local markets and streets, challenge viewers to reevaluate their perceptions of art and music.
By extracting rhythmic sounds from non-musical devices like electric toothbrushes and blenders, Chelpa Ferro underscores the omnipresence of technology in contemporary society while infusing their work with a distinctly Brazilian or third-world identity. Through unexpected combinations of sound and visual elements, they provoke contemplation on the nature of art and sound in our technology-driven, consumer-centric culture.
Recognition and Impact
Chelpa Ferro's pioneering spirit has earned them acclaim on both local and global stages, with their work featured in a multitude of solo exhibitions and international events. Notable solo exhibitions include "Sonorama" at the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil in Rio de Janeiro (2015), "Visual Sound" at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Connecticut, USA (2011), and "Totoro" at the Pinacoteca do Estado in São Paulo (2009).
The group's presence extends beyond solo exhibitions, as they have been prominently featured in major international events such as the Museu De Arte do Rio (2015), the Around Sound Art Festival in Hong Kong (2015), and "Dialogos com Palatnik" at the Museu de Arte Moderna in São Paolo (2014). Their participation in significant biennials, including those in Mercosul, Venice, Havana, São Paulo, and Liverpool, further solidifies their impact on the global art scene.
In 2021, Chelpa Ferro added a new dimension to their creative repertoire with the release of their album "Chelpa Ferro: Hip Hop," showcasing their innovative approach to music alongside their visual artistry.
