Vhils Alexandre Farto | About the artwork :
Remnant
“After two decas of exploring and refining the medium, Vhils unveils a remarkable edition of hand-caved billboard artworks, each representing the singular and subjective experience of urban life. Sourced directly from the streets, billboards were the very first medium Vhils used to explore his signature carving technique. As unique fragments of time and place, they carry the layered essence of the cities they once adorned. Through meticulous craftmanship, each layer is hand-pulled to reveal the recurring image of a woman within each piece. Yet, no two works are alike : the interplay of torn posters, weathered textures, and urban traces makes every edition a distinctive portrait of humanity’s connection to its environment. A powerful testament to ephemerality and transformation, this edition encapsulates the beauty within the chaos of the layers we pass by every day without noticing.”
– Vhils Alexandre Farto
Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto, known as Vhils, emerged as a prominent figure in urban art during the early-to-mid 2000s, initially as a graffiti writer. His distinctive bas-relief carving technique, showcased in the Scratching the Surface project since 2007, captivates audiences worldwide for its raw yet emotionally resonant portrayal of urban life. Raised in Seixal, Portugal, Vhils draws inspiration from the evolving urban landscape, reflecting on themes of identity, societal pressures, and cultural erosion. [read more]