Bruno Novelli
Caroline McCurdy
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Bruno Novelli, better known as 9li, is a Brazilian artist whose works are equally as extraordinary visually as they are in meaning. His current exhibition META, explores themes about spiritism, alchemy and metaphysics, as well as his own life experiences.
Growing Up
Bruno Novelli spent his childhood in Porto Alegre, in a neighborhood called Navegantes. He describes is as ‘that kind of neighborhood filled by big company’s sheds, a kind of industrial district. During the week it was pretty busy, but on weekends it was pretty calm, almost empty.’
Growing up in a place lacking in visual stimulation, Bruno created his own landscape.
‘I had to use my imagination a lot to create my own world. I used to find industrial garbage and have fun with that, it was a mix of natural and industrial influences. I remember I used to hear a singular bird singing at the morning mixed with sounds of big machines. It’s a huge contrast.’ This contrast is something which can been seen in his works today, where the natural and industrial elements move alongside one another. The contrasting themes are constructed harmoniously in some works, while others display a lot more energy, shown through the combination of the figures’ poses and intensity in the amount of detail.
At 17 years of age, Bruno decided to take on drawing as ‘a path for my life on earth’. He dropped out of design school as he felt it was a place ‘where I have to repeat and not to learn. I just don’t feel good in a place where you have no space to manifest what you really believe’. Now, ten years later, he will finish his formal qualifications by the end of 2008, with visions to teach in the future.
'Intergalactic Bugio'. Acrylic and India ink on archival Arches paper, 27.5” x 20.5” ©Bruno 9Li, META exhibition, photos courtesy Anno Domini gallery
Outside Brazil
Only in the past few years has Bruno’s work reached a wider audience. In 2007 he made his debut with an exhibition in the US, which he recalls as ‘an amazing experience…It was like the first step out of Brazil’. From here his work has been shown in several other countries and also led to a tour of Japan supported by Planet Patrol (a UK project of music and arts). On this tour he visited Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, doing ‘live painting’.
Technique
All of Bruno’s works are hand-generated. ‘My work is based on drawings on paper. Specially 100% cotton papers and good professional Indian Ink and acrylic paint.’
Bruno has created works on both small and large scale, from small canvases to murals on the sides of buildings around the world. He states that he has no real preference for what size his canvas will be.
‘The structure of my work starts to be developed on paper…so to do that on a big wall is basically a scale difference for me. Of course it’s completely different then making a drawing in my studio, but the idea is structured in the drawing. What happens in the street is that there are many different influences in the process, like the intensity of the city, all people, police…I wish I could paint more on the street, but I’ve been spending a lot of energy on exhibits in galleries.’
Bruno Novelli ©Bruno 9Li, META exhibition, photos courtesy Anno Domini gallery
Themes
The elements Bruno explores are equally as intricate and detailed as the way they are displayed visually. He explains, ‘I’ve studied many subjects that I believe make deep sense for me. Many old texts from different philosophers and illuminated people can give us the idea of unity. I believe that we are all part of an unthinkable structure of nature. We are all connected on earth. As Chico Xavier said before, “We are immortal spirits, sons of God – each one being an original world created by God”.’
Bruno’s work displays these deeply fueled philosophies in such a complex design that it can feel almost overwhelming to the viewer. However on closer inspection the beauty of how all the elements work together is realised through the shape and colour, the subjects and their surroundings, allowing one to enjoy becoming immersed in the work itself.
With such perplexing, metaphysical concepts involved in the inspiration of the works, Bruno explains, at the core the motivation is actually quite simple. ‘I could list many different things that inspire me, but in the end, what makes me keep going forward is the mystery around us all, what is beyond all routine’s things.’
Future
In 2009, Bruno will be exhibiting work in two solo exhibitions in Europe in Milan and Copenhagen. After experiencing quite a hectic time of exhibitions and attention this year, Bruno reveals that he would like to take things at a more relaxed pace for now.
‘I’m focusing on taking things more calm next year. To be silent in my studio, producing a lot but with no deadlines; I’ll focus on my work for collectors’ commissions instead of all my efforts for exhibits. Let’s see what comes in the future. I hope me and my friends will be healthy in body and spirit, always learning.’
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