Bené Rodrigues was born in Fortaleza, Brazil, where he spent his childhood and youth in the vibrant yet challenging environment of the city’s slums. His first encounter with art came on his daily walk to school, when he would pause to watch a neighborhood artist painting. Fascinated, he began experimenting himself — stretching old bed sheets into canvases and using leftover inks from a silk-screen printing shop where he worked.

As a teenager, Bené also discovered graffiti and street art, influences that continue to shape his bold use of color and texture. In 2010, love brought him to Finland, where he began his career as a professional artist.

Bené now lives in France, where he continues to create original works that carry the imprint of his unique journey. Through his art, he also reflects the reality of his homeland and his childhood memories. Each painting tells a story — not only of struggle, but also of resilience and hope. His works seem to come alive in the eyes of the viewer. These pieces form the X-ray of Brazil collection, a gallery body of work that is exhibited from time to time in art galleries.