Aldir Mendes

The Fusion of Art and Medicine

Aldir Mendes de Souza, born in São Paulo on May 17, 1941, and passed away on February 12, 2007, was a notable figure in both the Brazilian art scene and the medical field. As a visual artist, Souza was self-taught and began his exhibition journey in 1962, standing out for his deep understanding of color and ability to explore new artistic frontiers. In medicine, he graduated from the Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM-Unifesp) in 1964, uniquely combining his scientific vocation with his artistic one.

His participation in significant events such as the São Paulo International Biennial in the years 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, and 1977, as well as the 1978, 1982, and 1986 editions of the Ibero-American Biennial in Mexico, and the Havana-Cuba Biennial in 1986, solidified his reputation as one of Brazil's great colorists in the visual arts. Moreover, he held individual and collective exhibitions both in Brazil and abroad, sharing spaces with renowned artists such as Alfredo Volpi and Arcangelo Ianelli.

His work, rich in colors and shapes, caught the attention of concrete poet Haroldo de Campos, who wrote about his work, reinforcing his importance in the Brazilian artistic scene. Besides visual arts and medicine, Souza briefly ventured into cinema, directing two feature films between 1973 and 1974, showcasing his versatility and passion for different forms of artistic expression.

Aldir Mendes de Souza left an indelible legacy not only for his talent in navigating between such distinct disciplines but also for his invaluable contribution to Brazilian art. His passing at the age of 65 due to leukemia at the Oswaldo Cruz German Hospital marked the end of an era of innovation and color in Brazil's artistic landscape.