Ridyas

José Ricardo Dias, known artistically as Ridyas, was born in Araçatuba, Brazil, in 1948, and tragically passed away in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1979, at the age of 30. His artistic journey, which spanned a career as a designer, architect, and visual artist, reached significant milestones during his short life. Ridyas particularly stood out in the visual arts, with his presence at the XIV São Paulo International Biennial (1977) and the 1st Latin American Biennial (1978), both major events in the Brazilian and international art scenes.

His physical death, though tragic and premature, was nearly forgotten for almost 40 years, marking the disappearance of an important name in Brazilian art. His obituary was published only in the second issue of the Ponto de Apoio journal, aimed at students of the Contemporânea School of Arts. However, despite the second death, the one referring to the fading of his name, the memory of his art remains alive to this day.

Among his individual exhibitions, notable ones include "Totem Total" at the Central Gallery (São Paulo, SP, 2019), a remounting of the project showcased at the 1st Latin American Biennial of São Paulo, curated by Ángel Calvo Ulloa; and "A Saudade Que Ficou" at Ateliê 397 (São Paulo, SP, 2017), also curated by Ángel Calvo Ulloa.

In the realm of group exhibitions, Ridyas participated in significant events such as "Novas Aquisições" at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM-SP, 2019), curated by Felipe Chaimovich; "Saudosa Maloca" (São Paulo, SP, 2018), curated by Alice Ricci, Ángel Calvo Ulloa, and Carolina Cordeiro; and the 1st Latin American Biennial of São Paulo (1977). His work was also featured at the XIV São Paulo International Biennial (1978), the São Bernardo do Campo Art Week (1976), and the Expoesia 1 exhibition (São Paulo, SP, 1973).