DBKV student Geraldo dos Santos (31) was born in Amsterdam but spent much of his life in South America, experiencing different education systems. Trained in classical painting in Lima, Peru, he won the Panamericana Prize but wanted to explore more. At 21, he moved to the Netherlands to understand contemporary art and develop his own approach.
From Painting to Installation
After studying at Rietveld and later doing a master’s at St. Lucas in Antwerp, he became interested in narrative strategies and how history and heritage influence art. Over time, he shifted from painting to installations that make oral stories visible. His work explores identity, spirituality, and cultural influences. “I create from passion and care, always reflecting on how I engage with my work.”
Geraldo’s approach is deeply influenced by his multicultural background and personal experiences. His mother’s illness made him reflect on the role of spirituality and healing in art, leading him to incorporate themes of energy and light into his installations. He seeks to merge his classical training with contemporary expressions, exploring the tension between tradition and innovation.
Teaching and Education
Teaching has always been part of his journey. He started at 16 and later pursued DBKV to get the credentials to teach at an higher education level. While the Dutch focus on concept and authenticity was challenging, he values the didactic tools DBKV provided. He teaches art history, philosophy, and visual arts, encouraging students to develop their own artistic voices. “Education is more than transferring knowledge; it’s about fostering critical thinking and creativity.”
Through his studies, Geraldo also gained experience teaching at the academy level, guiding students in transforming concepts into autonomous artworks. His research now focuses on how education and community can be integrated into art through collaborative installations. He asks: How can co-creation become a tool for engagement? His installations invite participants to contribute through engraving, marking, or storytelling, turning the artwork into a communal object.
Looking Ahead
For his graduation project, he’s exploring co-creation in monumental objects: totems that hold collective memories through engravings and marks. These pieces act as archives of shared experiences, reflecting both personal and collective histories. He also aims to expand his research into Lacunae, a study on unconscious pitfalls and coping mechanisms, potentially with support from the Mondriaan Fund. “Understanding the gaps in our awareness is key to growth, both personally and artistically.”
His work has been shown at Art Rotterdam and Art Antwerp with Josilda da Conceicao gallery, platforms that support emerging artists. These opportunities have helped him refine his vision and connect with the art world. “I’m getting closer to my vision, shaping my artistic path step by step.” Looking forward, Geraldo hopes to continue developing his interdisciplinary practice, bridging art, education, and community engagement.
