Mario Henrique

About

Artist's statement

I try to be fast and spontaneous when I’m painting. And that should be

reflected in the final piece. The observer should be able to infer the

physicality of the painting process when looking at the paint drippings and

brush strokes.

When I throw paint, I can do it with some premeditation, but I cannot

predict where the paint will actually land on the canvas. So my approach

to painting is - at least in part - based on chance, on small random

accidents. It doesn’t rely exclusively on my persistence or my technique.

That’s why I don’t feel completely responsible for my paintings - in the

sense that, although I can answer for my initial intentions, the final result

is always something that I could never fully anticipate. Something unique

and unrepeatable, out of my absolute control.

Biography

After graduating in Design from Lisbon’s University of Fine Arts, he began

his career in online marketing and web development agencies as a

creative director, where he led teams in Portugal, Spain, and Brazil. A

decade later, he shifted his focus to contemporary painting, which had

always been a parallel interest.

Mario is a prolific portraitist who is fascinated by the unpredictability of

human behaviour, from brief glances to the impermanence of facial

expressions. He uses unconventional and rough materials such as

cardboard, reversed canvases, and hardware tools, painting abruptly and

spontaneously. His approach relies on drippings, splashes, and paint

throws, revealing the physicality of the painting process in the final piece.

Mario Henrique's paintings are listed in private collections worldwide and

he has exhibited both locally and abroad. He's also currently represented

by various prestigious international galleries and owns a studio which can

be visited by appointment.