Mauricio Porto is a Brazilian painter and graphic designer currently living in New York. Known for his vibrant figurative style, Porto’s work draws on contemporary and Pop Art influences. His subjects range from iconic celebrities to anonymous faces, each depicted as if gazing directly into the camera, striking compelling poses. He uses customized acrylics to create backgrounds with rich chromatic effects, setting the stage for the faces and figures he paints in oil, which seem to emerge vividly from the canvas.
Born on February 10, 1964, in Elói Mendes, Brazil, Porto holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Advertising from Rio de Janeiro. His career began in advertising, where he worked as a creative director, designing billboards, posters, magazine ads, and brochures. This experience left an indelible mark on his art. As Porto explains, “I started by sipping from the advertising world. My inspiration flows from magazine covers, ads, movies, fashion, and all forms of media.”
A true Aquarian, Porto has a love for culture and technology, which seamlessly weave into his creative process. Music is a constant companion in his studio, fueling his work with an eclectic playlist that brings an uplifting energy to each piece. “The world has enough pain,” he says. “Art should bring positive energy. It should brighten the viewer’s spirit.”
With a career spanning more than four decades, Porto has exhibited his work in numerous solo and group shows across Brazil, the United States, and Europe, earning a respected place in the international art scene.
