Renot

Renot, born Reinaldo Eliomar de Freitas Marques da Silva, hails from Santa Luzia, BA, and has left an indelible mark on the art world. His artistic journey began in 1957 when, at the age of 25, he delved into painting, drawing inspiration from the legendary cangaceiro Lampião, a figure deeply etched in the imagination of Northeastern Brazil. Renot’s artistic prowess soon caught the attention of the Salvador art scene, leading him to initiate a movement that invigorated the local art market.

Together with his friends, Renot co-founded the Manoel Querino Gallery in Salvador, a creative haven that hosted remarkable exhibitions featuring renowned Brazilian artists such as Di Cavalcanti, Djanira, Manabu Mabe, Aldemir Martins, and Antonio Bandeira, among many others. The gallery became a vibrant hub of artistic expression, contributing to the cultural landscape of Salvador.

During this time, Renot’s popularity soared when he became the face behind the signature “Renot” in the social column titled “Gran Mond” in the Bahia newspaper. His insightful observations on Bahian society earned him immense prestige, captivating readers across the region. Renot’s influence extended to the media, as he directed a program on TV Ipatuã and hosted another on radio Sociedade da Bahia, where he interviewed notable personalities of the era. By 1967, he had already become a beloved figure among his audience.

In 1969, Renot’s artistic talent was recognized by the Governor of São Paulo, who invited him to participate in a collective exhibition at the inauguration of Paço das Artes. Esteemed individuals such as the director of the State Museum Carlos Eduardo da Rocha and the renowned writer Jorge Amado were among his staunchest supporters.

In the late 1960s, Renot made a permanent move to São Paulo, and in 1972, he opened the legendary Galeria Renot in the Jardins district. The gallery quickly became a cultural landmark, hosting exhibitions featuring esteemed artists such as Francisco Rebolo, Aldemir Martins, Pennacchi, José Antonio da Silva, Di Cavalcanti, Cícero Dias, Rubens Gerchman, and numerous other artistic luminaries. Renot’s commitment to the arts extended beyond his own work, as he dedicated himself to promoting and showcasing the talents of countless artists, leaving an indelible impact on the art world.

Today, Renot has devoted himself entirely to his own artistic creations in his private studio, after more than six decades of dedicated work in the art industry. His passion for painting remains undiminished, and he has also embraced the creation of tapestries, employing a unique technique that involves drawing directly on the fabric and then embroidering it. Renot’s tapestries depict the old houses of Salvador, the vibrant festivals of Bahia, the region’s birds, fauna, and the lush vegetation of the Recôncavo Baiano. His masterful use of color, particularly shades of blue, brings the Brazilian reality to life, evoking a sense of mystery, exoticism, and enchantment.

In 2014, after years of tireless dedication, Renot concluded the activities of Galeria Renot, redirecting his focus entirely to his own artistic endeavors. Renot’s creations have garnered the attention of major corporations seeking to incorporate his unique vision into their corporate images.

Renot’s art is a celebration of nature, intertwining colors that emerge from behind the houses or bloom within the tropical vegetation of the Recôncavo. His works capture the essence of Brazilian reality, with its enigmatic, exotic, and distinctive qualities. Renot’s imaginative world transcends boundaries, blending fantasy and reality seamlessly. His art predominantly showcases the flora and fauna of Bahia, with an unmistakable emphasis on vibrant colors. Jaime Maurício aptly described Renot’s art as “his drawing is a poem and his tapestry a fresco,” highlighting the poetic and immersive nature of his artistic creations.