MUNTHE ART MONDAY: MARIA GUIMARAES
Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.
My name is Maria Guimarães, and I am a professional painter originally from Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, now living in Lisbon. I work primarily with oil paint, and my art focuses on exploring human life through the lens of feminine perspectives. Each piece reflects the complexities and emotions that shape our experiences.
Maria is wearing Trudie shirt.
Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?
As someone who expresses herself primarily through painting, I find myself most inspired by women who express themselves through words. Clarice Lispector is one of those incredible figures for me. Her writing captures the raw complexity of emotions and human existence in a way that feels deeply intimate and universal at the same time. Her ability to explore the unspoken and give voice to the intangible has influenced how I approach storytelling in my own work.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being a woman in the arts?
Right now, the most challenging aspect is balancing the constant drive for artistic creation with the demands of motherhood. Both require immense energy, focus, and emotional presence, and finding harmony between these two worlds can feel overwhelming at times. However, I also believe that this duality brings depth to my work, as my experiences as a mother constantly shape and inspire my artistic perspective.
Maria is wearing Edie pants.
Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?
At the beginning of my journey, years ago, being a woman often felt like starting at a disadvantage. Early in my career as a tattoo artist, which was my entry into the artistic world, it was difficult to navigate spaces where women’s voices were often overlooked. Over time, however, it has been incredible to see how something that once felt like a weakness has become my greatest source of inspiration. My identity as a woman, especially after becoming a mother, has allowed me to create art that is deeply personal and reflective of the complexities and strength of feminine experiences.
What would you like people to notice in your artwork?
I want people to notice how, at the core, we are all experiencing similar things in our own unique ways. Through my artwork, I hope to create a sense of connection that can serve as healing or even feel like a comforting embrace. It’s about capturing shared emotions and reminding us that, despite our differences, we are not alone in what we face.
Maria is wearing Tahlis knit.
