'Reconnections' - a Virtual Exhibition by Decolife from 30 April 2021


We are thrilled to present Decolife's online exhibition  “Reconnections” from 30 April to 30 June 2021 on our website. This exhibition represents the act of reestablishing a bond of communication or emotion representing/exploring the online “connections”, which are being the main part of our social lives in these pandemic times, playing with the fact of this being Decolife's first online exhibition.

The artist's statement:

Through my paintings, I am questioning where we come from? Where are we going? Reflecting on the current situation of the world. Leaving an empty space for the “unknown” that represents the present and the future. There is also the sense of a parallel reality that questions our beliefs. My latest works are the results of those moments of reflections questioning our own humanity and how we treat each other in “difficult times”. It also explores self-isolation embracing mental health issues, insanity and even death.

I have traveled to many places interested in ancient civilizations for many years, and I like my “solid shapes” to communicate with monoliths and megaliths of ancient temples, cultures, and mysteries. The theme “Reconnections” can be seen in many of my abstract works.

Saturn

'Saturn' by decolife

The title "Reconnections" suggests an individual interpretation of the experience for each viewer. In the times we live in, many people are really rediscovering themselves, readapting to a new world and embracing new lifestyles and hobbies such as Yoga, a word derived from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to yoke' or 'to unite, leading to the union of individual consciousness with that of the Universal Consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, Man & Nature.

In a selfish world, everyone pays more attention to themselves, leaving a necessity of reconnection and creating a better world for each of us.

Painter's point

'The painters point' by decolife

Biography

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1990, Andre Ruiz de Freitas, aka decolife, has been making art since he was three years old, painting on little stones or pieces of wood that he found on the streets, which he would then give away to his friends and family.

He first used drawing as a way to keep a personal diary and started experimenting with graffiti at the age of 13, when he was hanging out around São Paulo's skate parks with his friends. Around this time, Andre started using the moniker decolife when painting in several cities across Brazil as he took part in many street art events around the country.

In his words: "Most of my paintings are self-portraits and reflect my life experiences. Even after all these years, I still use my art as a personal illustrated diary, telling stories I often pick up from memories while also adding new elements as I go along".

Upon moving to Europe, he has traveled across several countries for two years, painting and often living from his art to buy food, transport, and accommodation. Inspired by the world and the people around him, his art is full of cultural references and mythological stories—many taken from his own Brazilian culture and upbringing as well as his experiences on the road. Visiting the leading museums in every country he has been to, his art gets reshaped and always keeps its characteristics of bold colours, outlines and distortions.

 'Decolife' has a particular interest in abstract art. His non-figurative nor representative pieces are almost a spiritual experience for the viewer, detaching them from any worldly perspective exploring an unknown reality. He claims that his abstract pieces are realistic, an unknown side that is real to him. These pieces are "individual existence that flourishes by their own".

Full Lotus

'Full Lotus' by decolife

In street art, decolife's colourful murals have been a regular fixture on the streets of Camden Town, South and East London, getting both public and critical acclaim. Over the last few years, he has built a strong body of work, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, collages, and mosaics. He has been participating in art fairs and group exhibitions since 2010 and had solo exhibitions at art galleries in São Paulo, Istanbul, and London.

Contact the gallery for the catalog and free preview of the exhibited artworks.

Sincerely yours,

Avanguardian team


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