POWER
a fundamental aspect of human relationships, shaping not only behaviours and actions but also the very structures that underpin society. Its influence extends far beyond the political sphere; power is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life. It governs the mundane and the monumental alike.
Celebrate power.


“Glory is fleeting
but
Obscurity is forever”
Napoleon Bonaparte 1769 – 1814


Rodrigues Goncalves is a contemporary artist renowned for his unique blend of satire and the absurd, exploring themes of power. His work blurs the line between life and absurdity, the mundane with the extraordinary, the tragic with the humorous, and the sacred with the profane.
Deeply rooted in fine art-making, Goncalves developed a growing network of master artisans, makers, designers and fabricators worldwide working at the cutting edge of fabrication and forge new frontiers of innovation - pushing the boundaries of fabrication, transforming bold ideas into reality.
Born in Madeira Island, Portugal, Goncalves grew up surrounded by his family’s souvenir shop and later worked in industrial fabrication environments. He earned a BA (Hons) in Glass and Ceramics at the UK National Glass Centre and an MA in Contemporary Art Practice from the Royal College of Art. His journey in radical thinking was further enriched by a mentorship with British architect Mike Davies CBE, founding partner of Richard Rogers Partnership.
Goncalves boldly incorporates ancient, religious, everyday items and iconography that engages with the complexities of cultural history. A dialogue aimed at the masses challenging conventional perceptions and boundaries with the use of elements of celebration, surprise, deception, resistance, irony, and existential dread.
In 2021, he received the Glass Prize Artist Award (Warm Glass, UK), and in 2023, he won the People’s Choice UK New Artist of the Year 2022 Award (Saatchi Gallery, London) in addition to being shortlisted for Forbes 30 under 30. His exercising of radical thinking in problem-solving and innovation extends across multiple industries including work for Nissan Motor Corporation.