Biography of Cabelo
Frequently described as a cultural seismographer, Cabelo (born Valdinei Calvento, 1967 in Cachoeira de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil) is a visual artist living and working in Rio de Janeiro. As much a poet and musician as he is a visual artist, poetry lies at the very heart of Cabelo's varied works. He does not limit himself to any one medium, choosing instead to experiment with drawing, paintings, sculpture, and performance. His poetic pseudonym Cabelo, the moniker under which he creates his artwork and performance, is derived from the Portuguese word for "horse", an animal that embodies a spirit or orixá in some Afro-Brazilian rituals.
Recent solo exhibitions have taken place at the Modern Art Museum, Rio de Janeiro (2012); Pinta, New York (2012); Galeria de Artes A Gentil Carioca, Rio de Janeiro (2011); Marilia Razuk Art Gallery, Sao Paulo (2008); Galeria Paulo Fernandes, Rio de Janeiro (2007). Cabelo has been featured in a number of notable group exhibitions, including at the São Paulo Cultural Centre (2010); Art Basil, Miami (2008); the 26th São Paulo Biennale (2004); the Centre of Contemporary Visual Arts, Bordeaux (2001); as well as at documenta X (1997).
