Rui Xavier embodies the essence of a modern-day Renaissance man, showcasing an impressive array of creative talents as a filmmaker, cinematographer, and visual artist, with Lisbon, Portugal serving as his current hub of artistic expression. Born in the picturesque city of Oporto, Rui's innate passion for photography and film was evident from an early age, which led him to pursue his undergraduate degree in Audiovisual Communication at the prestigious Oporto Politechnics.
As Rui's academic trajectory unfolded, he embarked upon a Postgraduate course in Journalism at the esteemed University of Wales, Cardiff, in the year 1996. This significant milestone marked the onset of a fresh chapter in his professional journey, as he subsequently ventured into the realm of photography, securing a position with the renowned London-based British newspaper, The Independent, in the year 1998.
Rui's professional journey took a significant turn after a stint in London, as he decided to return to his homeland of Portugal in 1999. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, as he co-founded the photographers collective Kameraphoto and K Gallery, which would eventually evolve into the country's leading platform for artists working with photography.
As his skills and expertise continued to grow, Rui began to explore new creative avenues in the year 2000, delving into the world of video production. He started by creating small documentaries, which served as a testament to his burgeoning talent and laid the groundwork for his future success in this medium.
By the year 2006, Rui had successfully shifted his professional focus towards a career as a cinematographer and filmmaker, with his work receiving widespread recognition and acclaim.
Since the year 2010, Rui has held the esteemed position of artist in residence at Ateliers Garagem, a prestigious art institution located in the vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal. During his tenure, he has had the unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the most renowned artists in the industry, including the highly acclaimed Candida Höfer. This fruitful partnership has resulted in the creation of a captivating film and book titled Silent Spaces, a testament to the creative synergy between the two artists.
In addition to his work with Candida Höfer, Rui has also had the pleasure of collaborating with the talented Venezuelan artist Javier Tellez on several film installations. One of their most notable projects together was "La Cueva de Arthaud", a thought-provoking installation that was showcased at Documenta 13 in Kassel, Germany. This event, which took place in 2012, brought together artists and art enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the latest developments in contemporary art.
Rui's illustrious career as a cinematographer has been marked by a profound and enduring professional partnership with the innovative and visionary Portuguese film director and producer, Sandro Aguilar, thereby cementing his reputation as a renowned and esteemed figure within the cinematic community.
