MUCA presents from 12th March 2025 the first solo exhibition of the renowned contemporary artist Alexandre Farto alias Vhils in Germany.
The exhibition presents a comprehensive selection of the Portuguese artist's works from the past two decades. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the development of his unmistakable artistic style through a wide range of materials, techniques and conceptual approaches.
Vhils is internationally renowned for his unique approach to urban art, which has revolutionised our perception of the environment and the way we interact with it. His works - from delicate wall carvings in the "Scratching the Surfaces" series to explosive relief sculptures, large-scale installations and mixed-media compositions - transcend the traditional boundaries of art. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore and understand Vhils' artistic career in unprecedented depth. His works reflect themes of identity, memory and urban transformation through the lens of individual and collective experience.
At the centre of Vhils' work is a profound investigation into the multi-layered nature of cities and the people who inhabit them. His technique - often subtractive, stripping away surfaces to reveal hidden histories - reflects the way time, globalisation and gentrification shape urban environments. By carving into walls, billboards and industrial materials, the artist exposes the overlooked structures of contemporary life and gives voice to the anonymous figures that make up the soul of a city. His work is both an act of destruction and creation, showing that every wall carries a story and that erasure can be as powerful as construction.
The exhibition provides a unique insight into Vhils' mindset, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and challenging conventional perspectives on art, society and the unique challenges of our time. Visitors will leave the exhibition with a deeper appreciation for the relationship between art, human experience and the environment we inhabit, as well as the transformative power of Vhils' vision.
What makes this exhibition special is the immersive experience it offers. By combining different materials - including concrete, wood, metal, paper and video installations - Vhils creates powerful narratives that deeply touch the visitor. The artist is also showing significant works and previously unseen archive material from his personal collection for the first time, making the exhibition a must-see for both long-time admirers and those new to his work
