Ernani Silva was born in the hills outside of Rio de Janeiro, where he encountered many adversities. At an early age of four Ernani displayed artistic talent, but his father discouraged any involvement with the arts. He welcomed the opportunity to relocate to the United States, where Dr. Blake encouraged him as an artist. Ernani is multi-lingual and well-regarded in an international audience.

Silva developed a distinctive style which reflects the mystical life of the Afro-Brazilian and Natives from the Amazon. His work also derives his community, where Samba, Bossanova, and the Girls from Ipanema are always reflected on his canvases. He is always originating art because it is his passion, to create new textural forms and compositions. His studio is not confined to a particular location, because it is unlimited.

His work speaks a sensual language, which gives the viewer a glimpse of his intense celebrated reality, through an intoxicating palette of opaque colors and expression. His award winning work is on display throughout various galleries worldwide as well as donated to museums. Additionally, Ernani’s art can be seen in various magazines and in the homes and offices of his top celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Edward Kennedy, Ruby Dee, Tina Knowles, Andy Garcia and Elza Soares, Cassandra Wilson to name a few. Ernani’s creations can also be found on CD covers for musical artist like Jazz Group-Step Ahead-Vibes.

He is particularly pleased that his signature work, Women Against the Wind, has been adopted by the Breast Cancer Society of Long Island, N.Y., as its promotional stamp. He is currently working on his Missing People series, which highlights the faces of people still missing to provide a venue for them to receive exposure while letting their loved ones know they are not forgotten. He will continue to provide healing through art workshops for victims like those of hurricane Katrina. In the future look for his autobiography entitled The Hill of the Singing Roosters.

“Global Vision”, is a multicultural organization pioneered by Ernani Silva which represents worldwide artist to be involved in a cultural exchange and cultural enrichment to enhance the level of ethical standards for international artist within various communities.

Personally, acknowledged by the Rudolph W. Giuliani, Mayor of New York for artistic contribution to The New American Art Show. Additionally, Ernani’s work was selected to represent the Brazil Celebration by the Pam Iori, Mayor of Tampa, Fl.

Silva is noted for finding a freedom in expression when creating works as large as 26 feet x 5 feet. 15 pieces ranging in sizes from 50 x 50, mixed media on canvas and paper were displayed at the Los Angeles Latin Jazz Festival at the Universal Amphitheater. Additionally, other significant pieces of artwork have been displayed in airports, hospitals, universities, Governor’s mansion and fortune 500 companies.

Ernani’s Women Against the Wind work was adopted as the signature piece for Breast Cancer Awareness in New York.

Silva’s work has been donated for various charity events and museums worldwide.

Chosen for feature articles in numerous magazines and newspapers such as: New York Newsday, Upscale, Instyle, Homes of Color and Sony Enterprises to name a few.

Future endeavors include “Missing People Series”, musical computations of Ernani’s drums and guitar, continual work on social responsible issues of underprivileged victims.

Autobiography entitled The Hill of the Singing Roosters and newly published book “A Retrospective Forty Years of Original Work by Ernani Silva”.

Official Artist for 2005 Chicago Jazz Festival, Grand Prize Afram Festival, Nubian Women’s Circle of Art Award are among the few honors presented to Ernani Silva.