Tonico Lemos Auad was born in Belém in 1968 and lives and works in London. In his work, Tonico explores the personal and cultural significance of objects and materials, often referencing the popular traditions and landscape of both Brazil and the UK. The methodologies employed in his textile and wood works incorporate a variety of craft techniques, which lend an extended temporality to the work whilst proposing alternative modes of production to advanced capitalism's model of hyper-production and programmed obsolescence.
Recent solo shows include: Stephen Friedman Gallery (2018); Biblioteca, CRG Gallery, Nova York, EUA (2016); De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, Inglaterra (2016); O que não tem conserto, Pivô, São Paulo, Brasil (2015); Paisagem Noturna, Galeria Luisa Strina, São Paulo, Brasil (2013); Figa, CRG Gallery, Nova York (2012); Stephen Friedman Gallery, Londres, Inglaterra (2012); ‘Carrancas and Reflected Archaeology’ (comissão), The Folkestone Triennial, Inglaterra (2011); Sleep Walkers, Centro Cultural São Paulo, Brasil (2011).
Recent group shows include: Bienal de Sharjah (2017) Soft Power. Arte Brasil., Kunsthal KAdE, Amersfoort, Holanda (2016); What separates us, Brazilian Embassy, Londres, Inglaterra (2016); Warp and woof, The Hole, Nova York, EUA (2014); Labour and Wait, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, EUA (2013); Textiles Open Letter, Städtisches Museum Abteiberg, Mönchengladbach, Alemanha (2013); Site: Place of Memories, Spaces with Potential, Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, Japão (2013); Além da Vanguarda - Brazilian Naïfs Biennial, SESC Piracicaba, Brasil (2012); Flag Art Foundation, Nova York, EUA (2010); Henry Moore Institute, Leeds, Inglaterra (2010).
Collections of which his work is a part include: Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, New York, USA; Pizzuti Collection, Ohio, USA; San Diego Museum of Art, California, USA; West Collection, Pennsylvania, USA; FLAG Art Foundation, New York, USA; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, California, USA; Zabludowicz Collection, London, UK; Tate, London, UK; Museum of Contemporary Art, Vigo, Spain; British Friends of the Art Museums of Israel, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel; Pinacoteca de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; and Instituto Inhotim, Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil.