Alexandre Farto, known by his artistic moniker Vhils, is a Portuguese street artist who has captivated the international art world with his innovative and thought-provoking work. Born in Lisbon in 1987, Vhils grew up during the tumultuous period of rapid urbanisation that followed Portugal's return to democracy in 1974. Experiencing firsthand the impact of globalisation on his hometown, Vhils developed a unique artistic style that reflects the cultural, social, and political changes that have shaped modern urban landscapes. In this article, we will explore the life and work of Vhils, delving into the techniques he employs and the themes he explores in his evocative art.
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| Artwork: Vhils. Photo: Nicola Di Nunzio, Wikimedia. |
Early Life and Influences
Growing up in Seixal, a suburb of Lisbon, Vhils was exposed to a vibrant and diverse street art scene from a young age. During the 1990s and early 2000s, the walls of Lisbon were covered in graffiti, which fascinated the young artist. Inspired by the works of artists like Banksy and Obey, Vhils began experimenting with graffiti in his early teens. As he honed his skills, he became increasingly interested in the relationship between urban art and the city itself, exploring the ways in which street art could give a voice to the marginalised and reflect the complexities of contemporary urban life.
Vhils studied at the University of the Arts in London, where he continued to develop his artistic practice. It was during this time that he began to move away from traditional graffiti, seeking new ways to engage with the urban environment. His breakthrough came in 2007, when he created a large-scale portrait on the streets of London by chipping away at the layers of plaster and paint on a building's facade. This new technique, which Vhils dubbed "Scratching the Surface," would become his signature style and propel him to international recognition.
Techniques and Artistic Process
Vhils' work is characterised by his innovative approach to street art, which involves carving, drilling, and etching directly into the surfaces of buildings, walls, and other urban structures. Rather than adding paint or other materials to create his images, Vhils removes layers of history, exposing the raw essence of the urban landscape.
Vhils begins by selecting a suitable surface, often one with a rich history or an interesting texture. He then researches the site's past, gathering stories and insights that will inform his work. Once he has a clear understanding of the context, Vhils sketches his design onto the surface, carefully considering the composition and the relationship between the image and the structure.
The actual process of carving the image is meticulous and time-consuming. Vhils uses a range of tools, including hammers, chisels, drills, and even explosives, to remove layers of paint, plaster, and concrete. As he works, the image emerges from the negative space, revealing the intricate details and textures beneath the surface.
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| Artwork: Vhils, Berlin, 2019. Photo: Kasa Fue, Wikimedia. |
Themes and Motivations
Vhils' work is deeply rooted in the urban environment and the history of the places he chooses to create his art. His pieces often explore themes of identity, memory, and the impact of globalisation on communities and individuals. By carving directly into the surfaces of buildings, Vhils aims to expose the layers of history and the stories that have been hidden beneath the ever-changing urban landscape.
One of the most prominent themes in Vhils' work is the idea of individual identity within the context of a globalised society. Many of his portraits depict ordinary people, emphasising the importance of personal stories and individual experiences in the face of homogenisation and gentrification. By elevating these individuals to the status of public art, Vhils challenges viewers to reconsider the value of personal narratives and the role of the individual in shaping the urban environment.
Another key theme in Vhils' work is the concept of memory and the passage of time. As he chips away at the layers of paint, plaster, and concrete, Vhils reveals the physical remnants of past eras, highlighting the often-forgotten histories of urban spaces. His work serves as a reminder that the city is a living, breathing organism, constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of its inhabitants. By uncovering these hidden stories, Vhils encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of preserving memory and the role of art in giving voice to the silenced.
Environmental concerns also play a significant role in Vhils' art. His technique of removing material from urban structures, rather than adding to them, can be seen as a commentary on the over-consumption and waste that characterise modern society. Additionally, the use of recycled materials and the incorporation of natural elements, such as tree bark and moss, in some of his installations, highlight the importance of sustainability and the need for a more harmonious relationship between humans and the environment.
Collaborations and Exhibitions
Throughout his career, Vhils has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, musicians, and institutions, demonstrating the versatility of his artistic practice and his commitment to interdisciplinary work. Some notable collaborations include a series of portraits of musicians for the band U2's 2017 "The Joshua Tree" tour and a collaboration with the Portuguese street artist Add Fuel to create a large-scale mural in Lisbon that combined both artists' distinct styles.
Vhils' work has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, including the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. Additionally, he has created public installations and murals in cities across the globe, from Rio de Janeiro to Shanghai.
In 2018, Vhils opened the Underdogs Gallery in Lisbon, which serves as both an exhibition space for his work and a platform for emerging and established artists from around the world. The gallery is an extension of the Underdogs project, which Vhils co-founded in 2010 as a way to promote contemporary urban art and support artists working in the public domain.
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| Artwork: Vhils, 2023. Photo: GualdimG,. |
In Summary
Vhils' innovative and thought-provoking work has established him as one of the most influential street artists of his generation. His unique approach to urban art, which involves carving directly into the fabric of the city, has challenged conventional notions of street art and garnered international acclaim. Through his exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and the impact of globalisation, Vhils invites viewers to engage with the complex narratives that shape the urban landscape and to consider the role of art in giving voice to the marginalised. As cities around the world continue to evolve and transform, Vhils' work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the stories and histories that make each place unique.
FAQs about Vhils and his Art
What is Vhils' real name?
Vhils' real name is Alexandre Farto. Born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1987, he adopted the moniker "Vhils" as his artistic identity.
How did Vhils develop his unique artistic technique?
Vhils' signature technique of carving, drilling, and etching directly into urban surfaces was developed during his time at the University of the Arts in London. He was inspired to move away from traditional graffiti and find new ways to engage with the urban environment. His breakthrough came in 2007 when he created a large-scale portrait on the streets of London by chipping away at the layers of plaster and paint on a building's facade.
What themes does Vhils explore in his work?
Vhils' work often explores themes related to identity, memory, globalisation, and the environment. By carving directly into urban surfaces, Vhils aims to expose the layers of history and the stories that have been hidden beneath the ever-changing urban landscape. His portraits of ordinary people emphasise the importance of personal stories and individual experiences in the face of homogenisation and gentrification.
What materials and tools does Vhils use in his art?
Vhils uses a variety of tools to create his art, including hammers, chisels, drills, and even explosives. He carves into surfaces such as paint, plaster, and concrete to reveal the intricate details and textures beneath. In some of his installations, he also incorporates natural elements like tree bark and moss.
Where can I see Vhils' artwork?
Vhils' artwork can be found in cities around the world, including public installations and murals in places like Lisbon, London, Rio de Janeiro, and Shanghai. Additionally, his work has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
What is the Underdogs project?
The Underdogs project is a platform co-founded by Vhils in 2010 to promote contemporary urban art and support artists working in the public domain. In 2018, Vhils opened the Underdogs Gallery in Lisbon, which serves as both an exhibition space for his work and a platform for emerging and established artists from around the world.
Has Vhils collaborated with other artists or musicians?
Yes, Vhils has collaborated with various artists, musicians, and institutions throughout his career. Some notable collaborations include a series of portraits of musicians for the band U2's 2017 "The Joshua Tree" tour and a collaboration with the Portuguese street artist Add Fuel to create a large-scale mural in Lisbon that combined both artists' distinct styles.
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