At ONS, we don't go in for average. And João Salomão isn't your average artist. Leaving his home in Brazil to move to New York City at just age 16, he first found an artistic outlet through hardcore music, playing out at punk venues and touring the country. Along the way, he discovered graffiti, first attracting attention for his oversize tags. And lately, that attention has transformed into a full-fledged career, as Salomão moves more into fine art, while still producing large-scale murals for enviable clients. A couple weeks ago, Salomão hosted O.N.S at his Williamsburg studio, where we were lucky enough to see him work and to get his thoughts on everything from art to ayahuasca to skateboarding.
So how did you first get into art? Was it through graffiti or something earlier, maybe from a family member or school?
Growing up in an artist family I was exposed to a lot of books, music and visual art from a young age. My first passion was music. I started playing guitar when I was seven. I moved to New York when I was 16 and started playing music professionally touring and recording in the early 2000s. When I got into graffiti, it was sort of like therapy for me. I needed to express myself. I started to get a lot of exposure on the streets which led to getting my first art exhibition. After that, I really started to dedicate my time to the studio and making art.
You recently hosted us at your new studio. It was amazing to see your process and all your works in progress. I know you've got some big gigs and clients now, so do you see yourself moving more towards traditional murals and fine art?
To me, it's all connected. I love both. The paintings are definitely a more meditative process and the murals are usually extra large. And I love that about them.
Your art is partly inspired by your inner world and things which might be described as "universal" symbols and spirituality. Were these inspirations always with you or were they something you discovered over time?
From a really young age, I was exposed to spirituality from different lineages, from Afro-Brazilian Yoruba, tarot to the I Ching to Buddhism. It’s all connected to me. But I myself still never felt a deep spiritual connection until I did an ayahuasca ceremony 2013 with Colombian Shaman on top of a mountain in Vermont. That experience was major for me and got me into self discovery as part of my art.
This is our Urban Transplants Issue of the O.N.S Manual. What's it been like for you and your work to move from Brazil to New York City?
It was an amazing change for me. I ended feeling more Brazilian here than there because I had discover even more of my roots. I feel very connected to my Brazilian culture.
You've also got a bit of a background in skateboarding and hardcore music. How have those other creative endeavors inspired your art and painting?
[Laughs] Yeah, skateboarding and music got me connected to the world since both of them were my first passions. That energy of skating and punk hardcore music gave me a lot of confidence on whatever I put myself into. Like, you don’t have to go to Berkley music college to be in the Ramones. It’s about jumping into the water and learning to swim.
If you liked this story, check out more from our Urban Transplants issue.