AFONSO SANTOSPortfolio

In my collages I explore the idea of society and the role that each individual plays. Some works deal with the concept of mass media and its importance on contemporary society. My criticism against mainstream Portuguese culture and ideas about brand and product are also big concerns. Overall, these works engage with thoughts about space, composition and social/political criticism, and reflect a

major part of my work process: experimentation.

Collages

Collage on paper, 35x26cmCollage on paper, 35x26cm

Collage on paper, 35x26cmCollage on paper, 35x26cm

Mixed media on paper, 152x97cm

Collage on paper, A4Collage on paper, A4

Mixed media on mdf board, 116x74cm

Collage on paper, A5

Collage on paper, A5

Mixed media on canvas, 50x73cm

Mixed media on paper, 48x60cm

Mixed media on cardboard, 113x71 cm

Mixed media on mdf board, 54x35cm

My paintings explore subjects such as movement, the bounds of the space, the dialogue between the work and the spectator and the possibilities of one’s hand with paint over a surface. In all of my painting projects experimentation of non-usual painting materials and technics is present. I’m used to working with found materials and recently I’ve been discovering new ways to do

paint, with materials that are common in our daily life.

Regardless of being exploring either movement, fluidity, texture or spatial composition, I always try to achieve interesting and new points of view from the public and the dominant culture. I strongly believe that my works are proof of my experience aand that experimentation should be the guideline. Nowadays we must seek a new language, outside the parameters of the

dominant art culture.

Paintings

Ashes and water on paper, A5

Ashes and water on paper, A5Ashes and water on paper, A5

Marker on paper, A3

Plastic paint on paper, 142x99cm

Plastic paint on mdf board, 81x19cmPlastic paint on mdf board, 81x19cm Plastic paint on mdf board, 81x19cm

Mixed media on paper, 120x80cm

Spray paint on mdf board, 100x45cm

Spray paint on mdf board, 71x39cm

Ashes and flour on mdf board, 90x58cm

Screen print and ceramic painting technique on ceramic tiles, 40x30cm

Gouache on canvas, 128x73cm

Mixed media on paper, 200x170cm

Tridimensional work is the basis of my experimentation. This comes as a very intuitive practice, as I’ve gotten used to collect things that I gather from everywhere, and then building/creating something with it. Generally I group the objects by themes, then create some kind of logic reasoning about them and later assemble the objects. As my collages, my 3D work concerns ideias about the society and

my criticism against mainstream Portuguese culture.

I’ve included some of my school and personal experiences with clay/ceramics. Since I was introduced to this kind of material I’ve been exploring it, experimenting several kinds of technics and

surface treatments.

Sculpture & Landart

Stoneware, 40x40cm

Paper pulp and wood, 40x40x30cm

Paper pulp on tree

SketchbooksSketchbooks are a vital element for my creative process. While working on them, I feel free to experiment with different materials and techniques. All of my final pieces are

based on sketchbook’s experimentation.

Afonso Guimarães dos Santos

Rua Cesário Verde, 12Senhora da Hora, Portugal

4460- 276

+351910661800