Interview
Cesar Vianna
Cesar Vianna is a Canadian-Brazilian artist whose work masterfully bridges the classical and contemporary worlds. Growing up in the vibrant cultural tapestry of São Paulo, Brazil, Cesar’s artistic journey began with an early fascination for animation and the human form, shaped by both the boldness of Brazilian design and the quiet elegance of classical European art. Now based in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Cesar’s practice is a celebration of diversity, connection, and transformation. Through illustration, painting, photography, and experimental mediums, he explores the intricate beauty of human forms, vibrant emotions, and natural textures. His minimalist yet evocative style invites viewers to participate, blending precision with freedom and light with shadow.
Cesar’s work has been featured in international exhibitions, acclaimed publications, and private collections worldwide. Whether using cross-hatching to reveal hidden depths or capturing resilience and hope in monochromatic tones, his art resonates on both a visual and emotional level. Each piece is an invitation to step into a world where tradition and innovation intertwine, offering new perspectives on beauty and humanity. Driven by curiosity and instinct, Cesar transforms stories into powerful visual experiences. His art is not just a reflection of his perspective but a space where imagination meets interpretation - a shared dialogue between the artist and the viewer.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I am a graphic designer and illustrator with a lifelong passion for drawing. Some of my earliest memories, going back to when I was around 3 or 4 years old, are filled with sketches and creations made using pencils, brushes, pastels, pens, and various other materials. I was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and grew up in the late 1970s, a time when Brazilian culture was heavily influenced by American media. This environment nurtured my admiration for the work of cartoonists and animators from studios like Disney and Hanna-Barbera.
As a child, I often sketched characters from TV shows or recreated illustrations from comic books, influences that still resonate in my work today. I can frequently trace elements of those early inspirations in my style, reflecting the charm and characteristics of 1970s animation. Spending much of my childhood at my grandparents' home also shaped my artistic perspective. Their walls were adorned with reproductions of renowned artworks, and their shelves were filled with art books. This early exposure to masters like Renoir, Botticelli, and Van Gogh left a lasting impression on me. The delicacy of their work and their pursuit of perfection in portraying human forms became deeply ingrained in my creative process. Academically, I hold dual qualifications in graphic design - one from the Faculty of Architecture at the University of São Paulo and another from the School of Fine Arts at Laval University in Quebec. These experiences have significantly influenced my work.
My design studies at the School of Architecture instilled a sense of organization, precision, and confidence in my lines. At the same time, the School of Fine Arts encouraged me to embrace freedom, step away from rigidity, and let my materials speak for themselves. This balance between structure and spontaneity defines my artistic journey and continues to inspire my creations. My multicultural background, having lived and worked in both Brazil and Canada, has provided me with a rich tapestry of experiences that continue to shape my artistic identity. Highlights of my career include exhibiting my work internationally and having it featured in contemporary art publications.”
What inspires you?
“My inspiration comes from the beauty and complexity of the human form, a subject that has fascinated me for years. The pandemic, despite its difficulties, offered a unique chance to delve deeper into this interest. Through online life-drawing sessions, I encountered a remarkable variety of models - different ethnicities, ages, body shapes, and proportions. This experience has significantly broadened my understanding of human diversity and added new dimensions to my artistic expression. At present, I strive to merge classical techniques with contemporary sensibilities. My latest series centers on the interplay of shadows and body hair - eyebrows, beards, and other textures - created using cross-hatching, drawing pens, and watercolors. By employing a single hue for each piece, I produce minimalist works where much of the figure remains undefined. This blank space encourages viewers to engage actively, using their imagination to fill in the form. It’s a conversation between simplicity and complexity, where the power of suggestion takes precedence over intricate detail. This minimalist approach challenges conventional figurative art by focusing on the relationship between light, form, and perception.
By removing familiar details, I aim to emphasize the texture and essence of the human body while allowing for personal interpretation. The outcome is a study not only of the human form but also of how our minds perceive and reconstruct it. In addition to figure drawing, my passion for illustration has always been a significant driving force in my life. Growing up, I found deep inspiration in comic books and animated films, especially the works of Hanna-Barbera animators from the 1950s and 1970s. These influences ignited a lifelong love for drawing, which became my most powerful means of expression. I recall spending countless hours as a child with paper and pencil, sketching characters from magazines or shows. Over time, my passion has transformed into a quest for my own artistic voice. Delving into art history has enriched my understanding of the resilience and creativity of past artists - not because I aim to imitate their work, but because their journeys motivate me to face my own challenges. Nowadays, I explore various mediums - pencils, pens, brushes, scalpels, and even pyrography pens - while always returning to illustration as the heart of my creative process. For me, inspiration springs from both my surroundings and the narratives that art enables me to convey. My work embodies my viewpoint and encourages viewers to engage with how I perceive and interpret the world. It’s this connection, this collective experience of creativity, that fuels my inspiration each day.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“At the heart of my artistic journey is the exploration of the human form and its many nuances - an enduring theme that weaves together beauty, identity, and perception. While I often emphasize realism and simplicity, my work seeks to go beyond mere representation, inviting viewers to engage on a deeper, more personal level. For me, art is a conversation. I aim to create pieces that serve as open invitations for interpretation. By intentionally avoiding detailed explanations of my work, I allow space for viewers to connect with it in their own way, letting their imaginations wander freely. Each viewer brings their unique experiences, emotions, and thoughts to the artwork, transforming it into something deeply personal. This interaction is where the magic occurs - it’s where my vision and theirs converge, creating something greater than the sum of its parts. A recurring theme in my work is the balance between simplicity and realism. Through techniques like cross-hatching and the use of minimal color palettes, I explore the tension between what is shown and what is left to the imagination.
My current series focuses on shadows and body hair, leaving much of the figure undefined. This approach highlights the textures and forms that often go unnoticed, while also challenging traditional boundaries of figure drawing and portraiture. At the core of my work is a message about beauty and self-perception. I am particularly touched by the reactions of models who see themselves reflected in my art. Hearing someone say, ‘You made me look beautiful,’ is one of the most fulfilling experiences for me as an artist. It underscores the transformative power of art - not just to capture a likeness but to reveal something profound about the subject, something they might not have recognized in themselves. Ultimately, my art is about connection: a connection to the human form, to the diverse expressions of beauty, and to the distinct ways each person perceives and interprets the world around them. By merging classical techniques with modern elements and allowing room for interpretation, I aim to close the distance between artist and audience, providing a shared experience that honors both the known and the enigmatic. My work not only conveys my perspective but also serves as a reflection for viewers to recognize themselves, their narratives, and their potential.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work embodies a fusion of two rich cultural perspectives: Brazilian and Canadian. Having lived and worked in both countries, my art reflects this unique duality. The vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and joyful energy of Brazilian culture have significantly influenced my early creations. Growing up in São Paulo, immersed in the lively atmosphere of a bustling metropolis while studying architecture, my pieces often featured geometric designs grounded in perspective. In contrast, my move to the tranquil, rural landscapes of Canada has shifted my focus toward organic forms and natural elements, making my work more fluid and delicate.
Color is a fundamental aspect of my art. The aesthetics of Brazil taught me to embrace bold and vibrant hues - colors that infuse joy and vitality into my compositions. Even when working with monochromatic themes, I tend to favor dynamic contrasts. I remember a critique during my studies at Laval University where my use of intense and saturated colors was questioned - this experience highlighted the cultural uniqueness of my artistic approach. During the lockdowns of 2020, I created a series of monochromatic works, and the feedback I received emphasized how, even with simpler palettes, my art managed to convey light and hope during a difficult time. Canadian influences have further honed my focus on realism, detail, and the subtleties of nature. This has brought a sense of balance to my work, merging the vibrancy of Brazilian culture with the more nuanced, classical sensibilities of Canadian aesthetics. Over time, my art has evolved to be both meticulous and expressive, capturing joy, vibrancy, and detail in equal measure. Illustration is at the heart of my work, both as a graphic designer and as an artist.
From a young age, I was drawn to comic books and animated films, particularly the distinctive styles of Hanna-Barbera animators from the 1970s and earlier. Some of my fondest memories involve holding a pencil and paper, sketching characters from my favorite TV shows and magazines, attempting to capture their essence. It took years of dedication to develop my skills, but that early enthusiasm has profoundly influenced my creative journey. Today, I utilize a variety of tools - pencils, pens, brushes, scalpels, and pyrography pens - tailoring my techniques to fit the story I want to tell. Although the tools and mediums I use may evolve, illustration remains my steadfast companion. My drawings express how I see and interpret the world, providing viewers with a glimpse into my distinct viewpoint. Through my art, I aim to connect the vibrant colors of life with the subtle nuances of its forms, creating pieces that resonate on many levels.”
Which artists influence you most?
“The artists who have had the greatest impact on me come from a variety of styles and disciplines, showcasing my appreciation for both the simplicity and complexity inherent in visual storytelling. From an early age, I was drawn to the work of animators from the 1970s, especially those at Hanna-Barbera studios. Their memorable characters - like Scooby-Doo and Josie and the Pussycats - left a lasting mark on me. I admire the straightforwardness and clarity of their lines, which managed to express so much personality and emotion with minimal detail. This principle has been a consistent theme in my own work, where I strive to find a balance between simplicity and expressiveness. Equally important are the animators at Walt Disney Studios, particularly those who played a role in the animation renaissance of the late 1980s and 1990s. Their skill in capturing the nuances of human movement, inspired by live actors and models, has significantly shaped my creative approach.
Like these artists, I often work with live models, aiming to depict not just static poses but the energy and motion that lead up to them. This emphasis on movement adds a dynamic quality to my drawings that I continuously work to enhance. In addition to animation, I find inspiration in a broad range of illustrators and fine artists. M.C. Escher’s surreal and imaginative pieces resonate with me for their boldness in challenging reality, while Tom of Finland’s detailed studies of the male form have shown me the importance of detail and confidence in portraying the human figure. Will Eisner, a trailblazer in graphic storytelling, inspires me with his expertise in light and shadow. His use of textures and patterns to create depth and emotion is something I frequently integrate into my own work. The Old Masters serve as a rich source of inspiration for me. Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches, showcasing his delicate sfumato technique, set a standard I aspire to reach in terms of subtlety and refinement. Renoir’s talent for capturing the human form with elegance, particularly through the expressive movements of hands, significantly shapes my understanding of anatomy and character. Additionally, the impact of Pop Art pioneers like Roy Lichtenstein is undeniable in my artistic journey. His striking graphic style, along with his creative use of color and patterns, influences how I approach composition and explore visual impact. These diverse influences come together in my work, where I strive to create art that is both technically proficient and emotionally resonant - finding a balance between precision and freedom, as well as tradition and innovation.”
“At the heart of my artistic journey is the exploration of the human form and its many nuances - an enduring theme that weaves together beauty, identity, and perception.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is deeply rooted in exploration, observation, and connection. It begins with life drawing sessions, which are a cornerstone of my practice. These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity to study the human form in its raw, unfiltered beauty. Working with models from diverse backgrounds, I observe the subtle interplay of light and shadow, the uniqueness of body shapes, and the intricacies of expression. These experiences directly inspire my work, motivating me to capture the essence of the human experience in a way that feels both intimate and universal. I often start with a loose, gestural sketch to capture the energy of the pose. From there, I gradually layer in details, focusing on shadows and textures. In my current series, I use cross-hatching and minimal color palettes to emphasize only the shadows and body hair of the figure, leaving the rest as a blank canvas. This intentional absence invites viewers to complete the image in their minds, transforming the artwork into a shared creative experience.
The choice of materials significantly shapes my process. I utilize a variety of tools, including drawing pens, watercolors, and unconventional mediums like scalpels and pyrography pens. Each tool contributes a unique quality to the work, encouraging me to adapt and experiment. For instance, my decision to limit each piece to a single hue allows me to concentrate on the relationship between form, texture, and emotion without the distraction of a full spectrum of colors. Another crucial aspect of my process is storytelling. While I aim to leave room for interpretation, I often draw inspiration from personal experiences, historical influences, and the world around me. My background in design and illustration also informs my work, particularly in how I balance structure and spontaneity. After I have the technical elements sorted out, I take a step back to think about the piece, often going back to it several times to polish its details or rethink its overall effect. This stage relies heavily on both intuition and analysis, making sure that the final piece resonates on both a visual and emotional level. In the end, my creative journey is all about connection - with my subjects, my materials, and my audience. Whether it’s through a line, a shadow, or an empty space, my aim is to craft art that encourages others to view the world through my perspective while also uncovering their own interpretations and feelings within it. When someone connects with my work and shares how it made them feel or think differently, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist's role in society is both timeless and ever-changing. At its essence, art acts as a reflection of the world’s complexities, emotions, and narratives. Artists have always played a crucial part in helping societies understand themselves, challenging norms, igniting discussions, and inspiring transformation. However, despite this vital role, the journey of an artist is often fraught with challenges. Every artist has likely faced moments when their work is dismissed as insignificant—a mere hobby instead of a legitimate profession. This misconception highlights a persistent issue: society frequently underestimates the time, effort, and resources that go into creating art. For many artists, their craft is not just a passion but their life’s work, their voice, and often their means of survival. Unfortunately, like many others, I am not yet in a position to rely solely on my art for income. This necessitates juggling another job to support myself while trying to devote as much time as possible to my artistic endeavors. The financial difficulties faced by artists point to a larger societal problem: a lack of appreciation for what it takes to create art.
Behind every piece lies countless hours of practice, research, and personal growth - not to mention the financial commitment to materials and tools. Yet, many people expect art to be free or fail to recognize its true value. For example, I often receive requests for free artwork on social media, and when I explain that my time and skills come at a cost, the reactions can sometimes be dismissive or even hurtful. This highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift in how we perceive and value artistic work. Art, like any other profession, demands dedication, discipline, and years of development. It deserves the same level of respect as fields like engineering, medicine, or any other esteemed profession. Artists are professionals who contribute to society in immeasurable ways: they infuse beauty, provoke thought, and capture the essence of the human experience.
Looking ahead, I envision the artist's role continuing to change. In our increasingly digital and interconnected world, art is no longer limited to traditional venues like galleries or museums. Social media and digital platforms have opened up access to art, enabling artists to connect with global audiences and build communities that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. This shift presents exciting opportunities but also introduces new challenges, as artists must deal with issues such as intellectual property, online exploitation, and the pressure to create quickly to capture fleeting attention spans. Despite these obstacles, art will always be a powerful means of connection and transformation. Whether it’s raising awareness about social issues, offering solace during tough times, or simply enhancing the beauty of everyday life, artists will continue to be essential in shaping the cultural and emotional landscape of society. For this to flourish, however, there needs to be a collective effort to better understand, support, and appreciate their contributions. The future of art is filled with endless possibilities. It will evolve alongside society, embracing new mediums and technologies while remaining true to its timeless purpose: to inspire, challenge, and unite us all.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve had the opportunity to display my work in several exhibitions that are both personally and artistically significant to me. Beyond just showcasing my art, the connections I’ve formed through these exhibitions have often been the most memorable and impactful experiences. One piece that particularly resonates with me is a pyrography portrait of Saint Sebastian, inspired by a young man who was one of my first models. During the pandemic, he shared with me his struggle with cancer and how he found comfort in Saint Sebastian, a figure known for resilience and homoerotic art in classical antiquity. His story touched me deeply, and I created this portrait as a tribute to his journey. This work was later featured in exhibitions at the San Diego Museum of Art and Montreal’s Pride, ultimately becoming part of the art museum collection in my hometown - a moment of immense pride and a testament to the powerful stories that art can tell.
Another significant experience was a family portrait commission. A young man who had commissioned a personal portrait was so moved by the outcome that he asked me to create a family portrait for his late best friend’s parents, as a way to honor his memory. Witnessing how my art could provide comfort to a grieving family was an unforgettable moment and a reminder of the emotional strength of creative expression. A different story emerged through social media. A Russian follower admired my work and inquired about a portrait commission but later explained that due to the war against Ukraine, he couldn’t afford it. Understanding his situation, I decided to create the portrait as a gift. His reaction and gratitude were overwhelming, and when he shared the piece online, seeing my name written in Russian for the first time was both surreal and heartwarming. These experiences remind me that while exhibitions offer a platform to showcase my work, the most meaningful moments often arise from the connections I make and the personal impact my art can have on individuals.”
Instagram: @czarnunes
Brush Bio: www.brush.bio/cesarvianna
