Description
Robert Llimós (born 1943, Barcelona) is a Catalan painter and sculptor of international standing, whose work is held in major collections including the MACBA in Barcelona and the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid. In the summer of 2009, while visiting Fortaleza in northeastern Brazil, Llimós reported an extended close-encounter experience that subsequently reshaped both his personal life and his entire artistic output.
According to Llimós's account, he encountered a large craft hovering low over a remote area, partially obscured by a mist or steam. The object remained in place for roughly two to two and a half hours. During that time, portholes opened and two humanoid beings — described as one male and one female — appeared at the opening. They were wearing clothing that Llimós described as resembling ancient or archaic garments, and he reported that he felt he was being "analysed" by a beam of light that scanned him in a manner similar to a medical scanner.
Llimós also described an attempt at communication, which he interpreted as telepathic in nature. He has stated that the beings conveyed a message about the relationship between humanity and the natural world, and warned of consequences arising from human disregard for the environment.
Following the event, Llimós's work shifted decisively. Where his earlier painting had been abstract and informalist, his subsequent output — beginning with a major exhibition in 2010 — depicted in detail the beings and craft he says he encountered. He has produced more than 150 paintings and sculptures of the event. The shift cost him much of his established position in the commercial art world for roughly seven years, and he has spoken publicly about the personal cost of maintaining his account.
The Fortaleza case is notable for the length of the reported encounter, the prominence of the witness, and the extraordinary volume of visual documentation the witness himself has produced. It remains unexplained.
Video Documentation
El encuentro con reptilianos de Robert Llimós
Iván Martínez and David Parcerisa travel to Barcelona to interview Robert Llimós about his close encounter. Llimós discusses the 2009 Fortaleza event in detail and shows the extensive body of paintings and sculptures he has produced depicting the beings and craft he reported. Video in Spanish; auto-translated subtitles available via YouTube settings.
Notes
This case remains under investigation. If you witnessed a similar event in the Fortaleza region, or hold related documentation, please contact us via the Report a UAP form.