How Gleeson Paulino Captures the Human Experience
How Gleeson Paulino Captures the Human Experience
Delsey Paris x VISUALPLEASURE
NEW HORIZONS - WORLD TOUR 2024
BRAZILIAN Artist of the week - Gleeson Paulino
Name:
Delsey Paris x VISUALPLEASURE
NEW HORIZONS - WORLD TOUR 2024
BRAZILIAN Artist of the week - Gleeson Paulino
Photography:
Gleeson Paulino
Words:
Erica Nichols
There are photos that strike you and photos that change you. Looking at the work of Brazilian photographer Gleeson Paulino, you’ll find layers of light, color, and contrast that not only land on an aesthetic level, but encourage the viewers to dig deeper. “Through my lens, I strive to share this vivid world with others, hoping to spread appreciation for the small, yet profoundly beautiful moments in life,” says Paulino. Across city backdrops and rural retreats, Paulino delves into commercial and personal works that touch on identity, celebration, hope, belonging — the unique mosaic of experiences universal to people around the world. Discover how he got started, the new projects he’s diving into, and what he created for our New Horizons World Tour collaboration with DELSEY Paris.
What do you hope your photography expresses to people?
Gleeson Paulino: My photography is a celebration of color, vibrancy, and joy. Each shot I take captures the essence of beauty in both faces and places. I focus on moments that evoke happiness and positivity, seeking out the vibrant and dynamic moments that make life so special. Whether it’s a radiant smile or the breathtaking colors of nature, my aim is to immortalize the joy and beauty that surrounds us.
How do you balance your creative freedom with commercial projects?
I have been very fortunate with my commercial projects, as I have earned the trust of my clients and rarely feel the need to limit or direct my creativity. Most of my clients are supportive of my ideas, which has allowed me to maintain a high degree of creative freedom. Working with them has helped me mature in my craft and tested my ability to experiment with different lighting and subjects. This supportive environment has fostered my growth as an artist, enabling me to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of my personal work while still meeting the commercial objectives.
How do you continue to push yourself as an artist? Any new themes or ideas that excite You?
Traveling to unknown places continues to have a profound influence on my growth as an artist. The exposure to new landscapes, communities, and people I have never encountered before is grounding and deeply inspiring. That very first moment of discovery challenges me to capture its essence authentically and creatively.
Currently, I am exploring several new themes that excite me and push my artistic boundaries. One of these themes is the norms of immigration; delving into the stories, struggles, and triumphs of individuals as they navigate new lives in unfamiliar lands. Another theme that I'm passionate about is mental health, aiming to depict the often unseen emotional landscapes and the journey toward healing and understanding.
These new projects are helping me evolve my work, allowing me to experiment with different perspectives and techniques. By addressing these significant and complex issues, I hope to create art that not only resonates on an aesthetic level but also sparks meaningful conversations and reflections.
You’ve also explored projects that touch on cultural commentary and photojournalism.
Initially, photography was simply a tool for capturing moments, never with the intention of becoming a professional photographer. It was purely an intuitive process. However, as I continued shooting, I began to critically assess my work and shift from an intuitive to a more investigative approach. This led me to explore the meanings behind the images, and to see particularly how they reflect my cultural heritage and give meaning to my life. My latest exhibition, 'Baptismo,' primarily explores my connection to my ancestry and our cultural roots.
How does place influence your artistic perspective?
Most of my photos are taken in natural settings, which reflects my childhood spent in wild, untamed landscapes. These environments, where I experienced many inspiring moments as a child, now profoundly influence my artistic perspective and continue to be a source of inspiration in my work.
What elements guide your vision the most?
Nature and colors are always there in my work. I believe that natural light brings a magical quality that adds realism and enhances the mood of the moments taken. Colors can add deep, emotional layers depending on the mood that I create.
“ I focus on moments that evoke happiness and positivity, seeking out the vibrant and dynamic moments that make life so special.”
How do you overcome creative blocks?
Reconnecting with nature is incredibly healing and inspiring for me. I have a space with friends where we are creating a vibrant creative community near São Paulo, nestled in the Atlantic Forest. This area is intentionally devoid of cell service and internet. This digital detox helps me clear my mind, refresh my creativity, and disconnect from the constant influx of digital noise.
How has growing up in Brazil impacted your perspective?
Being Brazilian is inherently complex. We live in a vast and incredibly diverse region, almost a continent in itself, fraught with political issues that can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Moreover, the mixed heritage common in Brazil can make it challenging to understand one’s own identity, especially for someone like me who grew up in a strict Protestant family. I didn't truly understand Brazil until I began traveling across it. My recent work explores this diversity. Brazil is a mosaic of varied cultures, rich in traditions and daily inspirations, which deeply influences my art.
Talk to us about what you’re creating DELSEY.
I initially planned to capture the urban life of São Paulo. However, I felt a strong desire to incorporate more personal elements into the story. Typically, I escape to the countryside on weekends to get away from the city's chaos, and this routine inspired me to shift the focus of my project. The creative concept revolves around contrasting the chaotic energy of São Paulo with the tranquil, slow pace of rural areas. This juxtaposition captures not just the physical transition from urban to rural but also a personal shift, making the project deeply personal and reflective.
