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I am a São Paulo-born artist interested in exploring the urban environment through lens-based media and performance work. Growing up in one of the most populous cities in the world motivated me to consider how built structures and transportation systems shape our everyday lives. When driving is the only option or transit consumes a significant portion of the day, our connection to our surroundings is compromised, leaving us feeling detached from the place we inhabit. In that context, I saw the importance of walking as a way to foster a deeper connection to the city. 

My work invites viewers to reflect on how urban structures influence their daily emotions and behaviors, and encourages them to observe their daily commute with greater attentiveness. Using geometric and abstract visual language, I capture the details of urban and architectural landscapes as a way to show observations that would only be possible if walking in an attentive manner.

 

In addition, I use performances, videos, and photographs to respond to structures that are not pedestrian-friendly. These works reflect on the pedestrian’s experience in relation to urban structures that either exclude or fail to accommodate them, showcasing my personal responses to such spaces. Together, my work examines the relationship between the body and the urban environment.

EDUCATION

2023 - 2025 | Buffalo, NY, USA

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Master of Fine Arts.

2017 - 2022 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

University of São Paulo (USP)

BA in Design with graphic, product, and audiovisual experience. 

2016 - 2018 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Senac School

Diploma in Photography.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

& PUBLICATIONS

2021 - 2022

University of São Paulo (USP)

“Felt City: São Paulo Symphony”: undergraduate thesis and short film.

2021

Collaboration with two photographs for the visual essay "Reinhabit the Imagining, Reimagine the Inhabiting", curated by Professor Arthur Rozestraten.

2020

University of São Paulo (USP)

Undergraduate research project: “Maps-movements: narratives of urban displacement through [other] functionings of cartographic systems”, a collaboration for Professor Gabriel T. Ramos’ doctoral research.

ART CONTESTS

& EXHIBITIONS

2024 | Buffalo, NY, USA

Placeholder, UB Anderson Gallery

Group exhibition curated by Anna Wager, UB Art Galleries Curator of Exhibitions. 

2023 | Buffalo, NY, USA

Clashing Fragments, Project Space

Two Person photography exhibition at Project Space, University at Buffalo.

2023 | Buffalo, NY, USA

Incoming MFA Showcase, Project Space

Group exhibition at Project Space, University at Buffalo.

2022 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Utopian Thresholds, ExpoFAUD

Photography essay "Labyrinth" selected for a group exhibition, and the undergraduate thesis short film (“Felt City: São Paulo Symphony”) played as part of the exhibition at the Architecture and Urbanism School of University of São Paulo.

2020 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Utopia SP

Online exhibition by Via Cultural Institute.

2019 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Contemporary Languages, ArtLab Gallery

Group exhibition.

2019 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Beyond the Gaze, ArtLab Gallery

Photography group exhibition.

2019 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Meio Atelier

Group exhibition at the Meio Atelier, an itinerant gallery.

2019 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Consolação Literary Passage

Participated in an urban art intervention in São Paulo city.

2018 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

"Nascente" Program

Selected for the Nascente Program art exhibition for a photography essay called “Monochrome without vision” and finalist in the Visual Arts category.

2017 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Tatuapé subway station

Two photographs selected for a group exhibition at Tatuapé subway station.

OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCES

2023 - 2025 | Buffalo, NY, USA

University at Buffalo, Department of Art

Teaching Assistant.

2022 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Afro Museum Brazil

Volunteer work at the Videomaking and Photography Team.

2019 - 2020 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Histórias de Casa

Graphic Design Internship.

2019 - 2020 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Art Fairs

Participated in five art fairs displaying my original work, and organized, printed, and framed photographs.

2019 | São Paulo, SP, Brazil

"Talentos Brilhantes" Model Agency

Temporary Photographer.

2016 | São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil

São Francisco de Assis Hospital

Volunteer photographer at a charity fundraiser for breast cancer awareness.

© 2022 by Ligia Sato. Proudly created with Wix.com

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