Miguel Afa – “Apócrifos”

Miguel Afa lives and works in Rio de Janeiro. He began his career through graffiti in 2001 in the streets and alleys of Complexo do Alemão and attended the School of Fine Arts – UFRJ.

His work addresses a reading of the peripheral body, countering the unfavourable aspects to which these bodies are subjected and proposing another imagery reading that enhances the understanding of affection. Sometimes the images are simple and full of sensitivity, at others they have a direct political message. But what his gaze captures takes on an aura of its own with the colours he uses; his muted palette is a fundamental component in his composition, further enhancing the depth of what is represented. His colour is not naïve, it is also a discourse, a stance on the scenes portrayed, to fade it is to remind us of what is seen and what is made invisible.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I am Miguel Afa, a black man born and raised in the gritty and perilous favelas of Rio de Janeiro. My artistic journey took root amidst the bustling streets and concealed alleyways of Complexo do Alemão. In 2001, I had the privilege of enrolling at the School of Fine Arts at UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), which not only equipped me with the tools to further explore my artistic practice in a structured manner but also opened  pathways for my career as an artist.

My artistic vision is an exploration of the intricate contrasts that define the human experience at the periphery of the periphery, encapsulating its boldness and fragilities. It serves as a tribute to resilience, honoring the vibrancy and vitality that exist within every facet of what Western society often deems its margins. Through my work, I confront the harsh realities faced by individuals like myself, offering an alternative visual narrative that seeks to amplify our capacity for empathy. My artistic expressions are diverse, ranging from elegantly poetic and sensitive imagery to direct political statements, and sometimes even intertwining both elements in a single creation.

The colors I employ in my work breathe life into the depicted scenes, endowing them with a unique aura that enriches the depth of the stories I choose to portray. My palette is not haphazard but rather a deliberate form of discourse, a purposeful stance on the narratives I bring to life. The selection and arrangement of colors play a significant role in the construction of the images, perpetuating the contrast between the visual tapestry of my surroundings and the often muted scenarios I create. The act of fading within my art serves as a poignant reminder of  what is seen and what remains unseen, inviting viewers to engage in a deeper contemplation of the stories I share.