Hercules Barsotti (1914–2010) was a prominent Brazilian artist, known for his contributions to the concrete and neo-concrete art movements in Brazil. Born on July 20, 1914 in São Paulo, he began his artistic career in graphic design before turning his attention entirely to the visual arts. Barsotti's work is characterized by geometric abstraction, a minimalist aesthetic, and a deep interest in visual balance and optical effects.
Barsotti studied at the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios in São Paulo, where he specialized in drawing and painting. His early career was strongly influenced by his work as a graphic designer and by his collaborations with visual communications companies. This experience would play a significant role in his later artistic practice, in which he applied strict forms and a mathematical approach to composition.
In the 1950s, Barsotti began to associate himself with the concrete art movement, which emphasized geometry, objectivity, and the autonomy of the artwork. For a time, he was associated with Grupo Ruptura in São Paulo, one of the leading groups in concrete art in Brazil. Although Barsotti was never formally a member, he shared many of their ideals, such as the use of geometric forms and the rejection of emotional expression in art.
Around 1960, Barsotti joined the neoconcrete movement, which emerged in Rio de Janeiro as a reaction to the rigidity of concrete art. This movement brought more poetry and subjectivity to geometric art and explored the relationship between artwork and viewer. Barsotti began to experiment with unconventional materials and techniques, including reliefs and three-dimensional works.
His works from this period often feature simple but intriguing compositions of black and white or primary colors. Through subtle shifts in lines and planes, he created dynamic optical effects that invite interaction and contemplation.
Barsotti exhibited regularly in Brazil and abroad, including at prestigious events such as the São Paulo Biennial. His work was widely praised for its intellectual rigor and visual elegance, and he played a crucial role in establishing Brazil as a major center for geometric abstract art.
