THE CREATIVE CORNER: JOÃO INCERTI

He grew up without neighbors, surrounded by Brazilian nature. Today his art fills cities around the world with color.

Artist João Incerti grew up on a farm in Teresópolis, in the heart of the Brazilian countryside. Far from galleries, far from screens, and far from anything resembling the art world. Instead, he had nature, silence, and an instinct for drawing that never left him. That foundation — authentic, organic, and deeply intuitive — remains the driving force behind everything he creates.

Today his murals cover entire building facades in cities worldwide, his paintings are part of international collections, and his works bear titles like The Dive, The Trust, or The Restart: mini philosophical reflections turned into art. Joyful, spiritual, tropical, mystical… That's how many describe his work. João, curiously, prefers not to label it, so he simply nods and keeps painting.

At Jimmy Lion, we've always believed that personality lies in the little details: a sock, a print, or a pop of color capable of changing everything. When we discovered João's work, we connected instantly. We found an artist who understands color just like we do and believes what you wear can also tell a story. Two different universes, one shared vision of creativity.

The result is a collection of socks, t-shirts, and swimwear born in Brazil to bring color into everyday life. A fascinating journey: from one person's creativity to the world of thousands. We spoke with João to discover where all that inspiration comes from and see Rio de Janeiro through his eyes.

Your work is often described as joyful, spiritual, tropical, or mystical. Yet, you say you don't really know how to define it. Do you identify with those words, or do you prefer to just keep painting?

Everyone interprets my work differently, and that's fine by me. My aesthetic is constantly evolving, so I try not to define it. I prefer to think each piece is unique and tells its own story. So yeah… I think I just keep painting. (Laughs).

You grew up on a farm in Teresópolis before moving to Rio de Janeiro. Two completely different worlds. How did that contrast shape you?

I think that contrast made me a very curious person, eager to try new things in my own way. On the farm, I spent most of my time alone, which in a way helped me develop a very authentic personality because I didn't have many references to look at. When I moved to the city, I discovered a whole new world — a place where I could develop my creativity and express myself. But the experience of growing up surrounded by nature remains very important to me. Every time I return to the farm, I feel incredible peace.

You spent several years designing prints for the fashion industry before dedicating yourself entirely to your art career. What did you learn during that time? And what did you break free from?

I learned so much. I love designing prints. It taught me everything about color combinations, visual composition, symmetry, and also about the commercial side of design. But above all, working in fashion gave me the confidence to see myself as an artist. Before that, I didn't even consider myself one. Over time, I began to see my prints as art pieces, and that's when I started painting. Now, as an independent artist, I've freed myself from commercial constraints. I can create for myself, expressing my own experiences. When you work for a brand you tell their story; now I can tell mine.

Your murals transform entire spaces. How do you approach working on that scale? What does it feel like when a wall comes alive?

I like creating immersive experiences with my murals, and for that, I need to intervene across the whole space. It's a process that requires a lot of patience and trust because, while working, there are moments when everything looks ugly or incomplete. I have to trust my vision until the very end. And when I finish and see everything come alive just as I imagined… it's pure magic.

In the João Incerti x Jimmy Lion collection, elements frequently present in your work reappear, like eyes, animals, or organic shapes. Do they carry a special meaning, or do they emerge more intuitively?

Everything has a meaning. I'm obsessed with eyes; I draw them everywhere. I also feel a very special connection with felines, which is why so many cats and leopards appear in my paintings. In fact, one of them is part of this collaboration. I wanted the collection to convey fun and joy in a way anyone could relate to.