The Big Issue, The Big Art Auction

Portuguese visual artist Alexandre Farto aka Vhils, has developed a unique visual language based on the removal of the surface layers of walls and other media with non conventional tools and techniques, establishing symbolic reflections on identity, the relationship of interdependence between people and the surrounding environment, and life in contemporary urban societies, as well as the impact of development, the passage of time, and material transformation. 

Having begun to interact with the urban environment through the practice of graffiti in the early 2000s, Vhils has been hailed as one of the most innovative artists of his generation. His poignant, poetic portraits chiselled into flaking walls can be seen adorning cityscapes around the world. Based on his aesthetics of vandalism, Vhils destroys as a means to create. He carves, cuts, drills, etches and blasts his way through the layers of materials. Yet, like an archaeologist, he removes in order to expose, bringing to light the beauty that lies trapped beneath the surface of things.

Accolades
Foundation Degree (FdA) in Fine Art Skills and Practices; University of the Arts London, 2008.
School of Art at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design
Solo exhibitions: Haze, Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, USA, 2020. Realm, Danysz Gallery, Shanghai, China, 2019. Panorama, Arsham/Fieg Gallery, New York, USA, 2019. Incisão, CAIXA Cultural Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil [cat.], 2019. Ethereal, Goldman Global Arts Gallery, Miami, USA, 2018.

For more images contact [email protected].