🎤 Interview with Fabio Costa

September, 2023

Why do you create art?

I create art because of my deep admiration for living organisms. The creatures around and inside of us are so complex and beautiful that we will never be able to fully grasp how extraordinary they are. During my academic education, I spent many years using microscopy, growing cells in petri dishes, multiplying bacteria and viruses in flasks, isolating and manipulating biomolecules. I never stopped wondering how those fascinating creatures became what they are… My art is an attempt to grasp this wonder and complexity miracle.

Can you explain why you call yourself a “Biological Artist”?

My artwork derives from molecular, cellular and anatomical structures. All levels found in nature fascinate and inspire my creative process. I play with materials, textures, composition and sizes to reveal the complexity and intrinsic beauty behind biology. My education in biology and PhD are integral parts of the development of my artistic style, vision and objectives.

Nature is already the source of inspiration for artists, what differentiates your artwork?

That’s true, nature and living beings are irresistible as muse for artistic compositions. No wonder that most artists get inspired by observing, interpreting and representing nature. In my artwork, I refuse to represent life exactly the way it is presented in nature. Whole organisms and ecosystems are displayed in surrealist style, breaking all rules of proportions. In the space where I create, the hierarchy of biological sizes is ignored on purpose. Microscopic creatures become huge in size, big organisms are invited to be just a small part of the whole ecosystem. In my creative process, all existing hierarchies are broken down, there is no sense of importance in the visible or invisible, predator or prey, highly-developed or primitive: everything is an equal part of the whole.

How was the process to become an artist?

My encounter with art began as a child by doing fashion jewelry and drawing. My mother was the best woman dressmaker of our small city in Brazil. Her customers asked me to draw clothes according to their necessities and fashion trends. Jewelry handmade manufacturing started early in my life. At the age of 12, I already had my first fashion jewelry collection to be sold in my mother’s sewing studio. With time, my jewelry was also sold in small handcraft markets.
Painting came into my life much later, first paintings were made during the study of biological sciences at the university. It was the fascination with microscopic structures that brought me to painting. Being someone with a scientific background, it was initially difficult to not follow the academic mandate for accuracy and fact-based rules in art or in my creative endeavors. With time, I gladly realized that in art everything is possible. This kind of freedom of expression was exactly hat I needed to complement my life. The exact world of science meets the limitless world of art.

What do you like most, biology or art?

This is impossible to say because both are equally important. They are both integral parts of my life and they wonderfully complement each other. I am truly grateful for my former education in science. What brought me here is the motor to bring me to where I am going now.

You have been working many years in the pharmaceutical industry, how does this impact your art?

The pharmaceutical industry is a universe of its own. I have learned a lot about medicine specialties, drugs and diagnostic procedures. Through my work in the industry I have engaged with healthcare providers and collaborated with many types of colleagues. Working in an international environment is very empowering as well. Extremely important at the work in pharma was the boost in self-confidence, determination, communication, and soft skills. It is also the perfect place to develop the ability to set goals, be strategic and use tactics wisely. Above all that I have learned in the pharma environment, I would like to emphasize a deep respect and empathy for the suffering of patients having severe diseases.

Which materials and techniques do you use?

In my opinion, everything can be used to make art, it only depends on the way you put things together and make sense of them. I use mix media, acryl, wood, fabrics, strings, metals, plastics, paper, etc.  Recycling is very important for me and I love to repurpose new materials. Each element has a place and function in the composition, the aim is to have an impactful visual expression. In my portfolio I have paintings, mini-sculptures and fashion jewelry modeling and techniques.

What’s the message of your artwork?

My art invites the viewer to explore the patterns of living organisms little explored by society. Each piece on display is an invitation to contemplate the invisible, highlighting the importance and intricate architecture of nature. It is a celebration and meditation on the extraordinary architectural patterns of life and biodiversity, offering a new perspective on the natural world.