Tomás Pires, known artistically as Ôje, is an emerging and impactful figure in contemporary art. Born in Lisbon in 1987, from a young age he found drawing and painting a means of personal and social expression. Graduated in Environmental Design from ESAD.CR in 2010, Ôje began his journey exploring the potential of urban walls as canvases for his creativity. Since 2013, his murals have gained space and recognition in several cities around the world, from Amsterdam to Bogotá, transforming urban environments with his expressive and provocative works. Ôje's career evolved significantly in 2017, when he began experimenting with new materials and techniques, leading to the development of his remarkable wooden creations. These works reflect a search for symbiosis between human beings and nature, exploring the ephemeral beauty and the intrinsic connection between the two. In 2020, he consolidated his presence on the artistic scene with his first solo exhibition in Lisbon, entitled "NATUREZA HUMANA", where he presented pieces that capture the essence and fragility of the human condition. Currently, Ôje is dedicated to perfecting his techniques, mural painting and the continuous exploration of new artistic paths. His works, characterized by a unique combination of realism, abstraction and deep social engagement, make him an artist whose relevance and impact are constantly growing. Investing in his works is not only a bet on a rising talent, but also support for art that interacts with contemporary themes in an innovative and exciting way.
What was Tomás Pires' artistic journey?
The artistic journey of Ôje, also known as Tomás Pires, began at a young age in Lisbon, where he was born in 1987. From an early age, Tomás used drawing and painting as forms of expression, standing out in this initial phase for references to social issues and expressions implicit in his works. After completing his degree in Environmental Design at ESAD.CR in 2010, Tomás challenged himself, in 2013, to leave the studio and use the walls as a medium for his creativity. Initially, he began painting in small events and abandoned places, later expanding to several cities by invitation, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, London, Miami, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Celaya, San José, Rio de Janeiro, Bogotá, among others. In 2017, Ôje began exploring various materials and developing new techniques, from which his most recent works in wood emerged. These works reflect a symbiosis between the human being and the plant being, in a search for balance between both and a form of expression through the environment that surrounds us. Ôje has participated in several group exhibitions over the years, but it was in 2020 that he held his first solo exhibition in the city where he was born, entitled "NATUREZA HUMANA" at the Art Room in Lisbon. In this exhibition, he presented a series of pieces that recreate human expressions through wood, leading viewers to reflect on the ephemeral beauty intrinsic to us. Currently, Ôje's professional life is dedicated to developing his technique, painting murals and experimenting with new artistic paths.
What are the characteristics of works by Ôje aka Tomás Pires?
Social Themes and Human Expressions: Since the beginning of his career, Ôje has explored social issues and human expressions in his paintings. His works often reflect a concern with contemporary and social themes, presenting an emotional and critical depth in his works.
Material Exploration:
Starting in 2017, Ôje began exploring a variety of materials and techniques, particularly wood. This exploration resulted in works that combine natural elements with human forms, creating a unique fusion between humans and the natural environment.
Use of Public Space:
A distinctive feature of Ôje's work is the transition from the studio to the streets. He began using the walls of cities around the world as canvases, bringing his art to a wider and more diverse audience. His mural paintings can be found in several international cities, enriching public space with his artistic expressions.
Symbiosis between Human Being and Nature:
Ôje's recent works in wood demonstrate a search for balance between human beings and nature. This theme is explored through shapes and textures that evoke both human and plant elements, symbolizing an interconnection and harmony between the two.
Aesthetics and Technique:
Ôje's works are characterized by an aesthetic that mixes realism and abstraction. He uses detailed techniques to capture facial expressions and human forms, while incorporating abstract and natural elements that add depth and complexity to his pieces.
Ephemeral Beauty:
A recurring theme in Ôje’s works is the ephemerality of human beauty. This reflection is evident in his exhibitions, such as "HUMAN NATURE", where he presents the transience and fragility of beauty through wooden sculptures that capture human expressions in an intense and reflective way.
Why should I invest in construction works? Ôje aka Tomás Pires?
Originality and Exclusivity:
Ôje's works are unique and original, reflecting a distinct combination of social themes, human expressions and natural elements. The exclusivity and uniqueness of your pieces can increase their value over time.
Recognition and Growth:
Ôje has gained international recognition, with exhibitions and murals in several cities around the world. Its continued growth and expanding presence on the global artistic scene indicate potential for future appreciation.
Depth and Relevance:
His works address relevant and profound social themes, such as the symbiosis between humans and nature and the ephemeral beauty of the human condition. This engagement with contemporary issues can attract collectors who value art with significant content.
Versatility and Innovation:
Ôje is known for his versatility and innovation in the use of materials and techniques, especially the exploration of wood in his most recent works. The ability to reinvent oneself and explore new artistic paths is indicative of a dynamic and creative artist, whose work can continue to evolve and surprise.
Visual and Aesthetic Impact:
Ôje's works have a strong visual and aesthetic impact, which makes them highly desirable for collectors and art lovers. The fusion of realism and abstraction, as well as the ability to capture human emotions and expressions in an intense way, contribute to the beauty and depth of his pieces.
Participation in Exhibitions and Events:
Ôje's participation in group exhibitions and his first solo exhibition in 2020 demonstrate the recognition of his talent in the artistic scene. Events like these increase the visibility of your work and can contribute to the appreciation of your works.
Accessibility and Market Growth:
Investing in an up-and-coming artist like Ôje can be more financially accessible than investing in established artists, offering considerable upside potential as their reputation grows.
Cultural Contribution:
By investing in Ôje works, you are also supporting culture and artistic expression. Collecting art is a way of promoting and preserving creativity, as well as contributing to the career development of talented artists.
What are the influences of Ôje aka Tomás Pires in contemporary art?
Urban Art and Graffiti:
Ôje's transition from the studio to the streets reflects a strong influence from urban art and graffiti. This movement is known for its accessibility, visual impact and direct engagement with the public. Urban art often addresses social and political themes, characteristics that are also present in Ôje’s work.
Nature and Sustainability:
Ôje explores the relationship between human beings and nature in his works, especially in his wooden creations. This influence reflects a growing interest in contemporary art in sustainability, ecology and connection with the environment. Artists like Andy Goldsworthy and Olafur Eliasson, who work with natural elements and environmental themes, can be relevant parallels.
Expressionism and Realism:
Ôje's ability to capture intense and realistic human expressions demonstrates an influence from expressionism and realism. These movements focus on the emotional and detailed representation of the human condition, something that is evident in his sculptures and paintings.
Conceptual Art and Social Themes:
Ôje's approach to social issues and his ability to convey profound messages through his art is in line with the tradition of conceptual art. Artists like Ai Weiwei, who use their art to comment on social and political issues, can be important influences.
Material Exploration:
Ôje's experimentation with various materials, especially wood, reflects an influence from contemporary art that values innovation and the exploration of new media. Artists like Anselm Kiefer, who use unconventional materials to create powerful and evocative works of art, are examples of this trend.
Interventions in Public Spaces:
Ôje's work on murals and public spaces is influenced by urban intervention movements that seek to transform the urban environment through art. This type of work connects with the practice of artists such as Banksy It is JR, who use public space as a means to reach a wider audience and provoke reflection.
Local Identity and Culture:
Ôje incorporates elements of his own Portuguese identity and culture in his works. This local influence adds a layer of authenticity and cultural depth, connecting her work to a broader context of contemporary art that values diversity and individual cultural expression.
