Cezar Marcilio

Cezar Marcilio | Battle In Rome | 2017

As an art teacher, how does teaching influence your own creative practice, and how does your personal art shape the way you teach your students?

Teaching art is my profession, and it pushes me to draw and paint every single day in a careful and thoughtful way so that my students can clearly understand me. This habit helps me maintain my skills at a high level — one that I would likely never reach by creating art only for myself. Another challenge is the fact that my students and I come from different generations, which means my teaching method must strike a balance between my own artistic vision and the world they live in. I always teach art based on what they enjoy most, but at the same time, I guide them to stay focused and to pursue beauty in their work — whether they are drawing realistic portraits, manga, or comics. I have also learned a great deal from them.

Cezar Marcilio | Axl | 2017

You experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques. What usually comes first in your process: the idea, the subject, or the medium?

For me, the most important element — and the first one — is the idea. After that, aspects such as technique, subject, and medium come naturally to my mind.

Many of your portraits feel deeply connected to identity, ancestry, and cultural memory. How important are these themes in your work?

It is extremely important to know and preserve the origins of our city, our country, and even the place where we work. Walt Disney encouraged his employees to study the beginnings of the Walt Disney Company, and American schools guide their students to learn about the great achievements of the Founding Fathers. Those who value their origins seek to improve their present in order to build a better future. Unfortunately, in my homeland, Brazil, most schools do not properly value the country’s early history, such as the stories of the first explorers, the Jesuits, Indigenous peoples, and the Imperial Family. I feel a responsibility to use my art to bring attention to this forgotten part of our history.

Cezar Marcilio | Brazilian Woman | 2021

Living abroad in New Zealand and the United States seems to have been a turning point in your life. How did those years transform your artistic vision?

Living outside Brazil, especially for someone like me who comes from a humble family, is an expensive and challenging undertaking. I was not an artist in those countries; I was a regular employee, doing various simple jobs. However, it was a great opportunity to face the fear of being far from family and friends, to meet people from different cultures, and to overcome many difficulties related to finding work and paying the bills. These experiences changed the way I see people and societies around the world. As a result, they also transformed the way I think about art, both as a visual artist and as an author.

Cezar Marcilio | Mother And Son | 2011

Nature appears as a recurring presence in your works — forests, butterflies, organic forms. What role does nature play in your visual storytelling?

I like to include nature and some of its elements in my artworks to help people realize that these elements should always be part of our lives, especially for those who live in cities. Many of us believe that nature exists only far away, in places like the Amazon or Africa, for example. However, we can care for nature close to us — whether in our backyard, a window box, or the nearest park to our home.

You are also a published science fiction writer. Do you see a connection between your literary imagination and your visual art?

Being an author involves observing society — and the technologies around it — and trying to predict what the future might look like. In addition, I always try to convey something meaningful through my stories. When I create conceptual art, the process of bringing my imagination to life is very similar. I enjoy encouraging people to reflect on different subjects when they observe my artworks.

Cezar Marcilio | Rain Of Butterflies | 2025

What advice would you give to young artists who are trying to find their own voice while learning technical skills?

Although my profession has led me to learn many techniques, I advise young artists to specialize in just one technique and one theme at first. Over time, they will feel confident and comfortable with their choice, and then they can gradually explore other techniques and themes. Do not be afraid to be yourself, and invest your energy in what you truly enjoy most.