Archivio Conz

Julio Plaza (1938, Madrid, Spain–2003, São Paulo, Brazil) was a Spanish-born Brazilian artist, designer, and scholar, recognized for his innovations in visual poetry, conceptual art, and artist’s books. Born in Madrid, he settled in Brazil in the early 1970s, where he became associated with concrete and neo concrete poetry, collaborating with leading figures in the Brazilian avant-garde. Plaza’s work explored the interplay between text and image, pushing the boundaries of language-based art and experimenting with typography, printing techniques, and book design. He frequently engaged with poets and other visual artists, creating works that merged poetry, painting, performance, and technology. Throughout his career, Plaza held teaching positions in Brazilian universities, where he influenced subsequent generations of artists and designers interested in conceptual and media-based practices. He also participated in exhibitions and biennials that highlighted Latin American experimental art. His collaborative approach is perhaps best exemplified by projects that combined literary and visual elements, challenging conventional definitions of the art object. Julio Plaza collaborated extensively with Augusto de Campos, a prominent Brazilian concrete poet. Their partnership led to several innovative works that blend visual art and poetry, one of which “Poemóbiles” (1974) is part of Archivio Conz collection. Plaza remained active in art education and publication until he died in São Paulo in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of multidisciplinary experimentation that continues to inform Brazilian contemporary art.