Hilal Sami Hilal

Hilal Sami Hilal, born in 1952, is a Brazilian artist of Syrian origin who lives and works in Vitória, Espírito Santo. In the 1970s, Hilal began to explore drawing and watercolor before dedicating himself to Japanese papermaking techniques, leading him to undertake study trips to Japan in the 1980s. These experiences enriched his skills and deepened his interest in cultural integration between East and West.

Through the fusion of Western modern tradition and ancient Islamic art, Hilal developed his "laces," works made from a unique material. This material, created from cellulose extracted from cotton rags and mixed with pigments, resin, and iron and aluminum powders, allows Hilal to express the gestural strength characteristic of his work. His canvases are constructed from intercrossing lines and colors that emerge from the material mix, along with a sense of absence created by blank spaces.

When displayed, these works are placed a short distance from the wall to take advantage of the projected shadows, creating a virtual lace effect. Some pieces are made solely with acrylic resin but maintain the same visual impact. Hilal was featured in the Brazilian Art Panorama at MAM/SP in 1998 and, more recently, a major retrospective of his work was held at the Vale Museum in Vitória, Espírito Santo, in 2007/2008, curated by Paulo Herkenhoff.

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