Tell us began your career as an artist.
I feel that my career as an artist is still in its infancy, as a young artist there is still a lot to conquer. However, I would say that my career as an artist began with the exhibition for the Paula Rego in 2018. It was the Paula Rego who chose the works for that exhibition, including mine, and for me that was a great honor. At that time, I managed to have my first contacts with collectors and started to have positive feedback from the public.
How would you describe your artistic approach?
My artistic approach is related to a poetic side that I look for in everything I do. Usually my works are several “pieces” of me that meet, and that's why they become fiction. Above all, I try to create works that can inspire the viewer to reflect on himself and the world around him. In terms of technique, I am versatile and I like to experiment with different materials and creative processes. However, I try to maintain the integrity of my vision and message, regardless of the medium I'm using.
How does your creative process work? What do you try to express in your works?
As an artist, my creative process starts with observing and reflecting on the world around me, as well as my own emotions and experiences. During the creation process, I maintain a constant dialogue with the work, adjusting it until it reaches the shape I want.
When people ask me what a work means, I usually like to return the same question. I like people to decipher my paintings and get something out of them – even if they are completely unaware of what I wanted to convey. Maybe that's why I like abstract art so much, because it can be something different for everyone. However, what I try to express is almost always attached to memories that I try to deconstruct using elements such as color, shape, texture or even words, thus portraying my perception and interpretation of various themes in a poetic and introspective way.
How do you face creative challenges in your work and how do you keep your motivation?
Personally, I don't like to force anything. Usually when I have to create, it just happens. With this, I am not saying that creativity arises from a divine force and that it is not necessary to work on it. One way to maintain my motivation is to continue to learn and develop my skills, either through courses or independent research. In my case, I feed my creativity by seeing exhibitions, reading and, above all, studying. I feel that in order to create, constant learning is necessary.
Who are the artists that inspire you? What are your influences?
I am inspired by works by artists such as Gerhard Richter, Luc Tuymans, Sophie Calle, Nan Goldin, Mark Bradford, Rothko, or Portuguese artists such as José Luís Neto, Alexandre Estrela, Joana Patrão, Carla Rebelo, Pedro Tropa, among many others.
Do you have a recent project or work that you would like to share?
My most recent project was an installation I produced for the Photography Biennial (2022). It was the first time that I exhibited my photographic work with the title “a picture is worth a thousand lies”, about the fallibility of photography associated with memory. On the other hand, I am currently working on a project that, in principle, will become a short film and which is based on a text I wrote last year. I wanted to start making video works again, never leaving painting and photography.
Do you have any advice you want to share with young people who are taking their first steps in the art world?
As I said earlier, I'm still at the beginning of my career, however something that has helped me is trying to understand the artistic environment in which I want to be inserted – do I want to exhibit in independent spaces, galleries, or museums? Want to work with a curator? Do I want to sell my art or just exhibit it? Who will be my audience?
Finally, which artist do you dream of working with one day?
Artistic work is mostly solitary. When I think of working with artists, I think of exhibiting alongside them, and establishing dialogues with their works. It would be incredible to exhibit alongside artists such as Susanne Themlitz, Ana Manso, Daniel Blaufuks, Vivian Suter, Cecily Brown, among others.
