Article originally published on Portal Nogueirense.
Aaron Barrios’ Paintings Will Be Displayed at Rabeca Cultural Space Until April
By Diego Faria
The child painter from Artur Nogueira, Aaron Barrios, aged five, will have his canvases exhibited at a cultural space in Sousas, a district of Campinas (SP). With free admission, the opening of the exhibition “You, Art, and I” begins this Sunday (12th), featuring a full-day program. Art, music, literature, gastronomy, and a charitable initiative, all in one place.
Aaron is only five years old and already displays a remarkable knack for art. His work is not defined by techniques or standards but by the freedom of forms, colors, and emotions expressed through brushes and paints, resulting in vibrant, multicolored canvases. Before even turning one, Aaron was encouraged to use colored pencils and paper for drawing.
Later, at around two years and eight months, he began using gouache paint and received
his first canvas from his parents, Rose and Aurélio Barrios. Since then, he hasn’t stopped, having produced approximately 150 canvases. “A child expresses their feelings, and every time I share a new piece of his art (via social media) and read the comments, I see that people are capturing exactly that—emotion and feeling. I’m deeply moved by the result,” says Rose, Aaron’s mother.
Aaron’s paintings, born from his fertile imagination, blend the abstract and the surreal. Nature, books he reads, and conversations with his parents all become themes and inspiration for his creations. In his latest works, the young painter has incorporated semi-precious stones to enhance the colorful and textured compositions. “The theme ‘You, Art, and I’ fits perfectly with the exhibition’s purpose, which is the connection that art creates between him—the child—and the people who will experience his works,” explains Rose.
The exhibition, featuring around 25 canvases, marks Aaron’s first showcase outside Artur Nogueira. It opens on Sunday (12th) and runs until April 9th. Visiting hours are Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Last year alone, Aaron held an exhibition in Artur Nogueira at the Tom Jobim Cultural Space and presented his canvases to students at the elementary schools of the Adventist University Center of São Paulo (Unasp) in Artur Nogueira and Engenheiro Coelho (SP). The opportunity to exhibit in another city arose after Rose, Aaron’s mother, contacted the owner of Rabeca Cultural Space in Sousas, Campinas. “I was referred to Kha Machado, the space’s manager, and we connected via Facebook. We later met in person, he saw Aaron’s work, and immediately expressed interest in hosting the exhibition,” she explains.
Retreta Project
In addition to experiencing Aaron Barrios’ art up close, visitors will enjoy a special program for the exhibition’s opening. The String Group of the Retreta Project from Artur Nogueira, conducted by Maestro Ricardo Michelino, will perform at the venue. Two of Aaron’s canvases will be auctioned at the exhibition’s closing event on April 9th to raise funds for the Retreta Project, which offers free music lessons, and for the Boldrini Children’s Center in Campinas.
Rose emphasizes that, beyond encouraging art, social responsibility is a value instilled in her son. “The most important thing is that he understands that the art he creates is for others and can be useful in helping someone, such as through a social or charitable action,” she says.
Program
On Sunday (12th), there will also be a voice and guitar performance by Nayara Even (Retreta Project), children’s workshops led by Jaqueline Fernandes (Unicamp), and the launch of the children’s book Vó Ninon and Other Stories (Curupira Publishing) by Irene Prado.
Additionally, the Arterapia – Art and Donation project will feature an exhibition with handicrafts for sale, with proceeds benefiting social organizations and charities in Sousas. On the culinary side, visitors can enjoy dishes from Orggânica Cozinha Essencial, led by Chef Ana Ogg, all made with organic ingredients.
“When I first saw Aaron’s work, I was impressed. A boy so young creating art like this draws attention not only to his talent but also to his parents, who fostered an environment that nurtured his gift. This exhibition enriches and adds value to our space. Everyone is invited to come and discover Rabeca Cultural,” says Kha Machado, the space’s manager.
Excited about taking his art to another city and sharing his work with more people, Aaron doesn’t miss the chance to invite everyone to experience this joyful exhibition. “I want everyone to come to the exhibition and see my art—it’s going to be really cool!” he says.
Aaron Barrios’ work can also be viewed on the artist’s Instagram page, @aaronpbarrios.
Event Details
Exhibition “You, Art, and I” – by Aaron Barrios
Date: Opening on Sunday (12th), from 10 AM to 10 PM / Closing on April 9th
Location: Rabeca Cultural Space – Avenida Dona Maria Franco Salgado, 250, Jardim Atibaia, Sousas, Campinas (SP)
Cost: Free admission
More Information: (19) 3258-2750 / (19) 99720-6186
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