Sephora Venites is a highly versatile, interdisciplinary artist whose talent transcends mediums, merging performance, video, painting, photography, and technology. Her work is as varied as it is impactful, demonstrating her commitment to exploring and pushing the boundaries of art. As both an actress and visual artist, Sephora approaches her craft with a unique blend of intensity and curiosity, constantly seeking new perspectives and voices within each role and project. For her, art is never bound to a single point of view but rather exists as an evolving dialogue across disciplines and styles.
Sephora’s film work is a testament to her ability to bring complexity and depth to every character she inhabits. Her credits include the independent feature film Liquid Love (2018) by Vitor Steinberg, a thought-provoking adaptation inspired by sociologist Zygmunt Bauman’s reflections on modern relationships. She also starred in Andrew Arthur’s contemporary romantic comedy Love at First Swipe, a film that combines wit with social insight, and in Matthew John’s adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, where her performance added new dimensions to the classic character. Additionally, her television work includes a role in the acclaimed series Mr. Selfridge (2013), showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly between film and television while bringing a dynamic presence to each medium.
In 2007, Sephora completed a degree in costume design and editing from Barcelona's Institut Català de la Moda, laying the foundation for her unique visual storytelling. Her expertise in costume design not only enhances her acting performances but also enriches her visual artwork. Collaborating with photographers Paul Winstone, Nick Delaney, and Jonas Tucci, Sephora produced a striking fine art photography series inspired by Frida Kahlo. This collection paid homage to the iconic Mexican artist, blending Sephora’s own artistic voice with Kahlo’s spirit and legacy.
Sephora’s work is known for its philosophical depth, merging traditional and modern media to create art that is both timeless and innovative. Her approach questions the role of art in a world where originality is often overshadowed by a "copy-paste" culture, evoking the same spirit of exploration as the Dada movement. Through her distinctive use of visual metaphors, she explores complex themes of identity, transformation, and the human experience, challenging viewers to see beyond the surface. Her fascination with vibrant, chromatic colors is a signature element of her work, deeply rooted in the lush Brazilian landscapes of her childhood. This bold palette, combined with her masterful integration of digital and traditional techniques, brings her creations to life, transforming each piece into a narrative that celebrates individuality and identity.
Sephora’s art is more than a synthesis of materials; it is a weaving of time, artistic movements, and cultural influences. Her unique blend of media serves as an anthem for self-expression and authenticity in the digital age. Through her artistry, Sephora Venites has not only redefined her own identity but also invites her audience to reimagine their own, leaving a powerful imprint on contemporary art and culture.
Bio
Born in Brazil, Sephora Venites began her career in the public eye early, stepping into the modeling industry at just thirteen. Her early experiences in front of the camera quickly led her to pursue acting, starting with television commercials before transitioning into film, where she developed her craft with dedication and skill.
In 2013, she featured in the acclaimed television series Mr. Selfridge, portraying a model in two episodes. Her filmography includes roles in independent films such as Liquid Love (2018), directed by Vitor Steinberg and inspired by sociologist Zygmunt Bauman's reflections on modern relationships. She also appeared in Hedda Gabler (2016), a contemporary adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic, directed by Matthew John, where she played the character Mademoiselle Diana.
Each role highlights Sephora’s commitment to complex and multi-dimensional characters.
Her talent has also brought her into notable commercial work, including Smirnoff's "Dress Up, Stay In", directed by Rob Fletcher, and Santander’s "Daily Race", where she starred alongside F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel. These projects allowed her to reach wider audiences and showcase her adaptability in diverse settings.
Sephora’s stage work includes a unique collaboration with Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour during the White Rabbit, Red Rabbit tour in 2013 at São Paulo’s Theatre Sesc Vila Mariana. Known for its boundary-pushing format, the play invites actors to perform the script without prior rehearsal, underscoring Sephora’s fearless approach to performance.
In 2014, she participated in rehearsals for Blind Hamlet, a groundbreaking production by the Actors Touring Company in London, known for its thought-provoking themes and unconventional storytelling.
That same year, Sephora made her debut as a television presenter, hosting Cena Londres, a Brazilian program produced by Bis, part of the Globo Group. As the show’s host, she delved into the heart of London’s vibrant music scene, interviewing and featuring a diverse array of artists, including Cut Copy, Metronomy, The Hives, Molotov Jukebox, The Horrors, Little Dragon, Chet Faker, Anne Clark, Peggy Sue, Simian Mobile Disco, Atari Teenage Riot, Au Revoir Simone, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Her role as a presenter displayed her charisma and natural connection with artists and audiences alike, further expanding her artistic reach.
Press Highlights | Featured in British Vogue, Vanity Fair & More.
Vanity Fair – February 2024: Studio art feature with Simone Biles.
"Sephora Venites is a highly versatile and multi-talented artist who works in a wide range of mediums and styles. Her work is characterized by its philosophical depth and its ability to explore complex ideas through visual metaphors. By using both traditional and digital media, she is able to create art that is both timeless and cutting-edge, blending the best of both worlds in her unique and thought-provoking creations."
In The Studio | Vanity Fair | February 2024
The World of Interiors – March 2023: Artistic impressions in Condé Nast Britain.
The World of Interiors - Artistic Impressions - Condé Nast Britain © March 2023.
Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue, 2023: Celebrating the 29th edition with A-list artists.
𝘝𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘳'𝘴 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘺𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘐𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘦 2023
Vanity Fair – April 2023: Spotlight on The Spring Studio.
Vanity Fair | April 2023 | The Spring Studio
Renowned for her innovative approach across a diverse array of mediums—including video, performance, photography, painting, assemblage, and digital art—Sephora Venites’ artistic practice is deeply rooted in biocentrism and philosophical inquiry. With a keen focus on exploring women's subjectivity and the complexities of identity, her work invites audiences to engage with pressing existential questions. Sephora seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary techniques, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking body of art.
Her creative process is characterized by an intriguing interplay between abstraction and figuration, allowing her to navigate various styles while maintaining a distinct artistic voice. Sephora emphasizes perception over mere experience, aiming to capture and articulate the myriad ways we perceive the world around us. Her artistic representations serve as a lens through which viewers can explore their own interpretations and understandings of reality, encouraging a deeper engagement with their surroundings.
Drawing inspiration from influential art movements such as Dadaism and Surrealism, Sephora crafts her work as a metaphorical journey that challenges conventional perspectives on life and existence. Her use of disjointed figures at the intersection of representation and abstraction reveals a profound exploration of the female psyche, inviting viewers to confront and reflect upon their own inner landscapes. This unique approach not only enhances the emotional depth of her work but also fosters a dialogue about identity, femininity, and self-perception.
Sephora's artwork is characterized by vibrant, colorful hues—a reflection of the rich natural beauty of her native Brazil. The lush landscapes and vivid colors of her homeland infuse her creations with life and energy, making her pieces both visually captivating and emotionally resonant. Each artwork becomes a celebration of nature's splendor while simultaneously offering commentary on the intricacies of human experience.
Through her multifaceted practice, Sephora Venites continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, challenging viewers to embrace new perspectives and delve into the depths of their own consciousness. Her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, providing a space for reflection, connection, and insight in an ever-evolving world.
Curated Collection – Vanity Fair, May 2023: Distinctive works showcased.
Curated Collection - Vanity Fair - May 2023
British Vogue – August 2024: Art featured alongside Suki Waterhouse in Vogue's Gallery.
Arts News and Features
British Vogue - August 2024
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Education
Theater and Performance Training
- Cabaret Místico with Alejandro Jodorowsky, Teatro Tívoli, Barcelona, Spain (2017).
- Machine Theater Workshop with Nassim Soleimanpour, focusing on improvisational performance without sets, director, or rehearsals, Sesc, São Paulo, Brazil (2017).
- Sense Memory Technique at Susan Batson Studio, New York, USA (2016).
- Practical Improvisation Workshop based on Viola Spolin and Keith Johnstone, with Dave Bourn (SPROUT IDEAS), The Actors Centre, London, UK (2014).
- Acting Characters with Paul Elsam, The Actors Centre, London, UK (2014).
- Hamlet Try-Out Workshop with Nassim Soleimanpour and Ramin Gray, Actors Touring Company [ATC], London, UK (2014).
- Improvised Singing with Andrew Fisher, The Actors Centre, London, UK (2014).
- The Imaginarium of the Actor Method by Alejandro Catalán, Oficina Cultural Oswald de Andrade, São Paulo, Brazil (2013).
- Not in the Theatre by Nassim Soleimanpour, Sesc, São Paulo, Brazil (2013).
- Lecture by Jan Harlan, Stanley Kubrick’s Producer, at MIS - São Paulo Museum of Image and Sound, Brazil (2013).
- Psychodramatic Theatre Training, Centro Cultural São Paulo, Brazil (2013).
- Theater Works & Stage Program (42 hours), Senac, São Paulo, Brazil (2013).
- TV and Film Workshop with Miguel Rodrigues, São Paulo, Brazil (2013).
- Casting Directors Workshop, Spotlight, London, UK (2012).
- Actors Studio Training at The Coach House, Pinewood Film Studios, London, UK (2011).
- Actor Muscle Workshop with Beverly Leech, Los Angeles, USA (2011).
- Performance and Movement Training at American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Los Angeles, USA (2011), covering voice, speech, vocal production, improvisation, musical theater, camera techniques, and Alexander Technique.
- Audition Psych 101 Workshop with Michael Kostroff, Los Angeles, USA (2011).
- Improvisation and Speech Showbacks with The Mono Box, London, UK (2014-2015).
- Atelier de Artes e Ofícios Workshop with Marcio Mehiel, São Paulo, Brazil (2010-2012).
- Story and Screenplay Workshop by Robert McKee, São Paulo, Brazil (2010).
Dance and Music Training
- Contemporary Dance Studio, Kaifu-Lodge, Hamburg, Germany (2010).
- Classical Music Training, Conservatory of Music Renato Frateschi, Brazil (1989-1999).
Fashion and Visual Arts
- Introduction to Fashion Design at Felicidad Duce, Barcelona, Spain (2003).
- Costume Design Degree from Institut Català de la Moda, Barcelona, Spain (2004-2007).
- Graphic Design and Illustration at Escola São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (2009-2010).
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Public Activities & Awards:
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LUMAS x Sephora Venites | Vibrant Acrylic Art Collaboration.
Discover the collaboration between LUMAS and Brazilian artist Sephora Venites, featuring vibrant acrylic glass art blending fashion, film, and fine arts. Explore innovative aesthetics and neon highlights inspired by her roots.
The collaboration between LUMAS and Sephora Venites showcases the Brazilian artist’s vibrant, metaphor-rich work, which blends her background in fashion, film, and fine arts.
Known for her multi-layered acrylic glass art, Venites creates pieces with striking depth and neon highlights, drawing from both her Brazilian roots and experiences in the fashion industry.
Her art combines traditional and digital methods, presenting a vivid, sculptural quality that explores aesthetics in an innovative way.
You can learn more about the collaboration here.
"The collaboration between LUMAS and renowned Brazilian artist Sephora Venites brings to life a collection of vibrant, metaphor-rich works. Drawing on her multifaceted background in fashion, film, and fine arts, Venites redefines the boundaries of modern art with her multi-layered acrylic glass creations."
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UNESCO Gender Equality Exhibition Participant.
A Celebration of Gender Equality in the Arts.
In September 2020, Sephora Venites proudly participated in the UNESCO Gender Equality Division Exhibition, hosted by the Centro per l'UNESCO di Bologna at the iconic Palazzo Velli Expo in Rome. This prestigious event spotlighted UNESCO's unwavering commitment to promoting women's rights and advancing gender equality in the arts. Through her work, Sephora contributed to this global dialogue, emphasizing the transformative power of creativity in fostering inclusivity and empowerment.
Centro per l' UNESCO di Bologna - September 2020. Palazzo Velli Expo, 📍 Piazza di S. Egidio, 10, Roma RM, Italy.
The Division for Gender Equality - Unescoen.unesco.org › gender-equality › division
In September 2020, the Centro per l'UNESCO di Bologna hosted a significant exhibition at Palazzo Velli Expo in Rome, Italy, bringing attention to the intersection of art and gender equality. Held at the historic Palazzo Velli Expo, located in Piazza di S. Egidio, 10, the event underscored UNESCO's long-standing commitment to championing women's rights and empowerment.
A highlight of the exhibition was The Woman's Essence Project, curated by Laura Francesca di Trapani, which publishes an annual catalog of outstanding works by women in the arts. This project aligns closely with UNESCO’s Division for Gender Equality, which, since its establishment over 70 years ago, has been a leading advocate for gender equality, empowering women artists and promoting their visibility worldwide. Through initiatives like these, UNESCO continues to foster spaces where art becomes a transformative medium for supporting and celebrating women’s contributions to culture and society.
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Featured Highlights
The Other Avatars by Saatchi Art is a curated NFT collection of over 2,400 original digital artworks created by 150+ international artists. Each avatar is inspired by Vincent van Gogh's self-portraits and reflects a unique fusion of traditional art with modern NFT culture.
Launched in 2022, the collection offers a contemporary take on portraiture, allowing collectors to own a piece of art history reimagined for the digital era.
For more details, you can view the collection on OpenSea.
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Saatchi Art catalogue 2021: Meet the next generation of master artists. Saatchi Art catalogue 2021.
"For our first catalogue of 2021, our curators highlight new work by top emerging artists who are taking a cue from the icons of art history."
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Saatchi Art Spring Catalog, 2020.
The Rebel collection.
"As part of her exploration of navigating the world as a female subject, Sephora mixes techniques to make disjointed figures at the boundary of representation and abstraction."
The Birth of Venus. New media on paper.
Year of creation - 2019 - Exhibited at Thirst; Biennale Arte 2019.
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Saatchi Art catalog. Fall of 2019.
The works of Brazilian artist Sephora Venites convey
conceptual narratives that blend realism and abstraction. Her work was featured at the 58th Venice Art Biennale and is included in both private and public collections across the globe.
Heirloom collection. Artworks curated by Rebecca Wilson.
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