Julião Sarmento is a Portuguese artist
Episode 174: Julião Sarmento is a multi-talented and versatile artist from Portugal.
Sarmento’s work incorporates, drawing, painting, film, sculpture, and photography. I came across his work through the exceptional Caffe Bissau book published last year by Pierre Von Kleist. In a sense, it feels like an archive book full of Julião’s brilliant images. Instead, underneath, there is a symbolic order. There are a number of highly personal images to the artist, but there is also a wider way in which to read the work which we speak about in the episode.
After spending time with Caffe Bissau, I managed to pick up another great retrospective book on Sarmento’s work called White Nights, which gives a greater overview of his work. I was taken aback by the high level of talent found in the work as it is spread across various mediums. It was my second introduction to his work and is well worth picking up to see his non-photographic work.
Throughout the conversation, I was impressed by Julião’s generosity and insight. We spoke about his personal life and work. There were moments of humor and I came away with a sense of getting to know the artist and his life. I am deeply humbled by the time Julião took to speak with me. Please go out and get the Pierre Von Kleist book. It is one of my favorite books of the past couple of years. Tune In!!!
Julião Sarmento
