Taking the decision to leave his job as art director in an advertising agency to learn painting, could have been a really risky move, but a glimpse at Rafael Silveira’s work will have you wanting to congratulate him for his boldness.
Former fanzine maker, this young Brazilian has always been attracted by visual elements, in a country which he describes as prone to the bizarre and surrealism, his work has taken a pop-surrealist direction, with funky injections of comics, cartoons and tattoo. In this way, his universe is a joyful, eye candy encounter between Tex Avery and the TV show Mad Men, or perhaps a version of the TV show Downtown Abbey on acid … Psychedelic and whimsical, Rafael’s work is cleverly adorned by custom frames, made in collaboration with a local workshop, usually specializing in religious art carving. Each of his intricate and delicate paintings are like little icons, leading the viewer into dreamscapes and fun adventures.
Jonathan LeVine Gallery in New York is hosting Rafael’s solo exhibition, ‘Unforeseeable’ from 28 June – July 26th 2014, don’t miss it!
