Some artists arrive like unexpected waves — they don’t announce their strength, but
leave a lasting impact. Fabiola Pompéia Coutinho, who signs her work as Bila, carries
within her art the same mystery and intensity as the sea that inspires her — free, fluid,
and essential. Born in Rio de Janeiro and now based in Balneário Camboriú, Santa
Catarina, her journey isn’t charted on any map — it’s an inner voyage, poetic and
quietly transformative.
Her academic path is as rich and layered as the paint on her canvases. With degrees
in Literature, Education, Art Education, and a post-graduate degree in School
Management, Fabiola sailed through diverse fields of knowledge, building a solid
foundation that, although different from the traditional art studio, gave her the
sensitivity and depth of vision now reflected in her painting. This fusion of humanistic
knowledge with a self-taught artistic practice gives her work a unique originality —
art unbound by dogma, fueled by the freedom of discovery and intuition.
Thirteen years ago, when she planted her roots in Balneário Camboriú, the sea
became more than just scenery — it became her muse. The vast blue expanse, the
force of the waves, the relentless dance of the tides — all of it transformed into a
poetic and aesthetic driving force behind her art. Acrylic on canvas, her primary
medium, is how Fabiola channels this visceral passion. Her hands and brushes seem
to move to the rhythm of the ocean, pouring emotion into layers of color and
movement that invite viewers to dive in — to feel the breeze, the depth, and the
lightness flowing from her compositions.
The meaning behind the signature "Bila" is perhaps an echo of her authenticity and
her quest for essence. It’s a simple, intimate name that strips away formality to
reveal the artist’s purest self. Signing as Bila is an act of freedom, a personal seal
inviting the viewer into an unfiltered world where art is a direct extension of the soul.
Firmly establishing herself in Santa Catarina’s vibrant art scene, Fabiola actively
participates in solo and group exhibitions, including shows at the Maxim Gallery, the
City Council, the Blumenau Museum of Art (MAB), and Univale. Her involvement with
GAP — the Group of Visual Artists of Balneário Camboriú — highlights her
commitment to the local art community and the importance of collaboration.