Fuzuê! Invention & Imagination in the Art of Roger Mello

June 16, 2024 - January 5, 2025
East Gallery

Roger Mello creates art that ignites readers’ imaginations. He takes inspiration from Brazilian culture and global folklore, bringing a sense of drama and beauty to the page. Mello shifts styles to complement different narratives, employing delicate linework, blazing neon colors, and even plastic bag collage. He embraces contradiction to create worlds of abundance and scarcity, play and solemnity. Most evident is his inherent appreciation for nature, particularly the flora and fauna of his native Brazil. 
 
This is Mello’s first exhibition in the United States. The exhibition title, Fuzuê, comes from a Portuguese expression that captures a uniquely Brazilian sense of playful commotion. Mello’s art embodies that spirit as he invites readers to have fun and embrace the chaos of the world, but to also engage in reflection and acts of care.  

This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the Garcia Family Foundation

What to Expect

Visitors will enjoy original art from 12 picture books, including yet-to-be-published titles. A collection of book dummies, sculptures, and prints provide delightful insight into Mello’s multi-faceted creative process. Visitors can contribute to a collaborative art installation taking inspiration from the waterways and nature featured in Mello’s art.  

Illustration of figure in green abstract garden.

Roger Mello, Artwork for You Can’t Be Too Careful! (Elsewhere Editions). Collection of the artist. © 1999 Roger Mello. 

Illustration of animals against pink background.

Roger Mello, Artwork for Sherjahaan by Yun Dai (Astra). Collection of the artist. © 2024 Roger Mello. 

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Explore Further
Story Board

A personal look into Roger Mello’s art.

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Guest speaker Roger Mello presents the 2024 Educators’ Night talk.

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A special Members’ evening with artist Roger Mello!

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Learn Brazilian dance moves, make wearable art, and meet Roger Mello!

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Enjoy live Brazilian music and children’s songs in Portuguese.

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Join us for a bilingual reading of this beloved Brazilian picture book.

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Enjoy the Brazilian instrumental music of Choro das 3, a trio inspired by choro, a music genre that emerged in Brazil in the 19th century to become the foundation for all Brazilian music. 

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Private preview of this new exhibition for supporters of The Carle!

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Join us for a read-aloud of Roger Mello’s Joāo by a Thread in Portuguese and English.

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Join us for a read-aloud of Roger Mello’s Joāo by a Thread in Portuguese and English.

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Enjoy an extra special evening at The Carle with art, music, dancing, and food!

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Join us as award-winning author/artist Roger Mello presents Simmons University’s 2024 Mary Nagel Sweetser Lecture.

News & Press

Roger Mello won the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen award in 2014

Making Art Together

Inspired by the bright and bold colors of Roger Mello’s art we explore how artists use neon colors in storytelling.  

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Explore sculpting with paper to build wearable art!