Jarbas Lopes makes paintings, sculptures, drawings, artist books and performances. Many of his works are participatory, sensual and tactile and the artist encourages viewers to touch, hold, shake and turn pages. Utopian projects are planned and realized to involve the community and offer new ways for society to function.
Recent solo exhibitions include: Gira, MAR - Museu de Arte do Rio, Rio de Janeiro (2022); e a u, CRAC Alsace, Altkirch (2017); Circulovisão [Circlevision], Galeria Luisa Strina, São Paulo (2017); Galeria Baginski, Lisboa (2015); Galeria A Gentil Carioca, Rio de Janeiro (2013); Park Central, Tilton Gallery, New York (2010); Cicloviaérea, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Santiago (2010); Padedéu in collaboration with Laura Lima, Galeria Luisa Strina, São Paulo (2009).
Recent group shows include: 3rd Bienal de Vila de Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia (2019); ‘Brazil, Beleza?! Contemporary Brazilian Sculpture’, Museum Beelden aan Zee, The Hague (2016); ‘Provocar Urbanos: Inquietações sobre a Cidade’, Sesc Vila Mariana, São Paulo (2016); ‘E de novo montanha, rio, mar, selva, floresta’, SESC Palladium, Belo Horizonte (2016); ‘(de) (re) construct: Artworks from the Permanent Collection’, Bronx Museum, New York (2015); ‘Look.look.again.’, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield (2009); ‘Desenhos: A-Z’, Museu da Cidade, Lisboa (2009).
His work is part of collections such as: CACI Centro de Arte Contemporânea Inhotim, Brazil; Victoria and Albert Museum, England; The Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation, USA; Henry Moore Foundation, England; MAM/Rio Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Museu de Arte da Pampulha, Brazil; Fundación ARCO, Spain; MoMA Museum of Modern Art, USA; TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary, Austria.