Arthur Luiz Piza (São Paulo, SP, 1928 - 2017) was a renowned Brazilian engraver, draftsman, and sculptor.

Biography and Career

Arthur Luiz Piza began his artistic training in 1943, studying painting and fresco with Antonio Gomide. In 1951, he participated in the 1st São Paulo International Biennial, an event that marked his decision to move to Paris, where he perfected his techniques in metal engraving, etching, drypoint, and aquatint under the guidance of Johnny Friedlaender.

In 1953, he exhibited again at the 2nd São Paulo International Biennial, where he received the acquisition prize. At the 5th Biennial in 1959, he was awarded the national grand prize for engraving. During this period, Piza began exploring relief techniques, puncturing his watercolors and using the fragments in collages on various materials such as canvas, paper, copper, and wood. He also experimented with creating metal reliefs on sisal, as well as producing large-scale three-dimensional pieces, works in porcelain, and jewelry.

In addition to his artistic production, Piza illustrated several limited edition books and, in the late 1980s, created a three-dimensional mural for the French Cultural Center in Damascus, Syria. In 2002, two major retrospectives of his work were presented at the São Paulo State Pinacoteca and the Ado Malagoli Art Museum in Porto Alegre, highlighting the importance and breadth of his artistic career.