Silvio Oppenheim

Silvio Oppenheim was born in São Paulo, the son of Annelise and Franz Oppenheim, German Jewish immigrants who arrived in Brazil in 1934. From a young age, he was immersed in a European cultural environment and began his education at São Paulo Graded School, where he was taught in English and began his musical studies.

Education and Early Years
Between 1951 and 1959, Oppenheim studied at Colégio Dante Alighieri, where he was encouraged by his drawing teacher, Germana de Angelis, to pursue a career in the arts. He was directed to the studio of painter Vicente Mecozzi, where he learned his first techniques in drawing and painting. During his school years, he produced early works, including a large panel for the kindergarten at his school.

In 1959, the family moved to an apartment in Jardim Paulista, and Silvio entered the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of São Paulo (FAU-USP). At the university, he was influenced by mentors such as Flávio Motta, Renina Katz, and Julio Katinsky, developing new drawing and painting techniques. In 1961, he dedicated himself to learning woodcut at the studio of artist Savério Castellano and attended courses in drawing and metal engraving at the Fundação Armando Álvares Penteado (FAAP).

Career and International Experiences
Silvio held his first drawing exhibition at the Institute of Architects of Brazil (IAB-SP) in 1961. In 1963, he traveled to Europe for the first time, broadening his artistic perspective. In 1965, he graduated as an architect and began an internship at the Croce-Aflalo and Gasperini architecture office. Later, he worked with architect Jacob M. Ruchti, who significantly influenced him.

Between 1968 and 1969, Oppenheim received a scholarship from the German government (DAAD) to study at the Technische Universität (TU) in West Berlin. There, he interacted with German architects and artists, contributing to his professional and artistic maturation.

Professional and Teaching Career
After returning to Brazil in 1970, Silvio opened his own architecture office and studio in São Paulo, partnering with architect and art dealer César Luiz Pires de Mello. He participated in the activities of Galeria Cosme Velho, integrating its collection and participating in exhibitions.

From 1975 to 1979, Silvio took on a teaching role in the interior architecture chair at the Faculty of Architecture at Universidade Mackenzie. In 1979, he began working as a printmaker, producing screen prints and lithographs. Between 1970 and 1988, he regularly exhibited his works in various galleries, both individually and in group shows, in Brazil and abroad.

Later Years and Legacy
From 1988 to 2002, Silvio maintained his new office and studio on Rua Bastos Pereira, where he continued to produce intensively. In 2004, a book on his art was edited and published by Banco Santos.

Silvio Oppenheim left a significant legacy as an architect and visual artist, having contributed numerous architectural projects and artworks that reflect his dedication and talent.