ArtNow Report - Ed. 08 - Eng

Alexandre Lima Paixão is a psychoanalyst, public health specialist, philosopher, psychology

student, and visual artist. Born on July 3, 1992, in Campinas, São Paulo, he spent most of his

life in the countryside, in the city of Amparo. He later moved to the state capital to pursue his

studies and ended up staying, gradually adapting to the rhythm and lifestyle of the big city.

Holding a degree in Philosophy from Unicamp, Alexandre taught philosophy for three years in

the public school system in Campinas. Seeking new directions, he earned a certificate in

Clinical Psychoanalysis and completed his bachelor's degree in Public Health at the

University of São Paulo (USP). With a deep affinity for mental health care, he began a degree

in Psychology at Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, aiming to expand his knowledge in the field of

health and emotional well-being. His mission is to support people facing psychological

distress, drawing from his own lived experiences.

Since 2021, Alexandre has worked as a clinical psychoanalyst with a Freudian approach. His

studies of Freud opened the doors to the theory of the unconscious—an influence not only in

his professional path but also in his artistic journey. The unconscious, which has shaped the

work of countless creatives across literature, film, music, and the visual arts, also fuels

Alexandre’s artistic process. One of his greatest inspirations is Salvador Dalí, whom he

considers a mentor. For Alexandre, accessing the unconscious is a way of making art that is

more intimate, original, and imaginative. His work is deeply psychological, unveiling personal

anxieties and emotional struggles—universal human experiences that he both connects with

and addresses in his clinical practice.

In the visual arts, Alexandre expresses himself through painting and fine drawing, and also

works as a cartoonist and satirist, heavily influenced by the writings of Franz Kafka.

His love for visual arts began in early childhood. According to family stories, his first spark for

drawing came at the age of four when he received a full drawing kit. He learned to draw

before he even learned to read. Over the years, his environment and teachers played an

important role in shaping his path. In 2010, he began formal training in artistic drawing in

preparation for the entrance exam to study Architecture and Urbanism at Unicamp, where

he was admitted in 2011. He stayed for three semesters—long enough for the experience to

leave a lasting mark on his artistic development. During this time, he interacted with some of

Brazil’s most renowned artists and architects and learned key techniques such as

perspective, light and shadow, and observational drawing. He also participated in life

drawing classes with live models.

Alexandre is skilled in graphite pencil, watercolor, and India ink, while always remaining open

to exploring new mediums. His visual artworks are primarily abstract, dreamlike, and surreal.

As a cartoonist and satirist, he navigates a more humorous, philosophical, and reflective

realm, revealing the many layers of his background and sensitivity.