Lisbon Celebrates 20 Years of Artist Vhils' Urban Art

Alexandre Farto, known globally as Vhils, is showing Lisbon what happens when graffiti meets archaeology.

The Portuguese artist's exhibition at MUDE Design Museum showcases 16 years of his most striking work. Instead of spray paint, Vhils creates portraits by drilling, chiseling, and acid-burning into concrete, paper, and ceramics.

His technique strips away layers of material to reveal hidden depths underneath. It's a visual metaphor for uncovering the stories buried in cities as they rapidly modernize.

"It's like working on a wall without knowing what's underneath," Vhils explained. "The work is molded by the layers of history within the material itself."

The exhibition highlights how Vhils corrupts standard manufacturing processes to create something entirely new. He perforates paper, burns it with acid, and collaborates with brands to modernize their production methods while maintaining his artistic vision.

His work tackles big themes like identity, memory, and urban development. Each piece asks viewers to pause and consider what we lose when cities erase their past for endless progress.

Why This Inspires

Vhils reminds us that slowing down can be radical. In a world obsessed with the next big thing, his art celebrates what already exists beneath the surface.

"Maybe we should value the achievements of the old system a little more rather than constantly dismantling them," he said. His message resonates beyond art, touching on how we preserve community achievements and collective memory.

The exhibition also features his CLAY tile collection, where artists and designers collaborate to reimagine Portugal's ceramic tradition. It's proof that honoring heritage doesn't mean rejecting innovation.

Lisbon residents can visit free on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings through March 1. The rest of the world can see his work carved into walls across dozens of cities, permanent reminders to look deeper.