Tiago Evangelista
This time we talked to an artist we've admired for a long time. There's something about Tiago Evangelista's work that captivates us every time we see it. In this interview we talked about his different passions, from painting to classic cars. Enjoy!
Who is Tiago Evangelista?
Visual artist, classic car lover and art “scene” hater.
Where did your passion for art, specifically painting, come from?
I've loved drawing and painting since I was very young. When I was a kid, I could draw almost all the car models off the top of my head and I was always interested in the details. Later I studied fine arts and I knew I was going to do this for a living.
What are your inspirations/“idols”?
Artists from modern art mainly, I love the art made during the 20th century, especially American artists from the 60s and 70s.
I love the pieces from Rothko's final phase, Barbara Krueger, Jack Whitte. Current stuff I can more easily appreciate graffiti on the train tracks than things on display in a gallery but there are some artists I like and respect.
How would you describe your work?
A mixture of children's paintings with a touch of humor and a bit of contemporary social portraiture.
You're a fan of the 90’s and that whole lifestyle. Do you think that era influenced your artistic vision?
Absolutely! I grew up watching cartoons and playing in the street, things from that time influence me more than today, even after all this time. Nostalgia is a feeling that can be both inspiring and imprisoning.
Your works usually have nostalgic elements such as Sonic, Spider-Man etc. Can you explain?
It has a lot to do with what I consumed as a child, from video games to cartoons. I always like to put a twist on these characters and adapt them to today's world, always in a playful tone.
Do you agree that irony/synicism are somewhat “traditional” features in your work?
Fortunately! I don't think I could look at my paintings any other way, I find things that are too serious extremely boring.
If one day you could collaborate with someone, who would it be? FUBU?
Fubu I don't know, the brand is back and no longer has the same approach as it did in the 90’s. I think I'd like to do an album cover for Limp Bizkit or something.
From the photos you post on your IG, it's clear that you care about your look and appearance. Do you think the way you dress influences your art?
It definitely does! I think the way you dress reflects what you are or want to be. I'm always suspicious of someone who claims to be creative and dresses “normal”.
Apart from painting, the automotive world also has a special place in your heart. Where does this interest come from?
My father is a mechanic, so I basically grew up in a garage. I don't know much about engines, what always interested me was the aesthetic and visual part, I loved looking at cars to understand all the details and then go and draw them.
Nowadays I'm not the least bit interested in modern cars, I think my mind really went back to the 80s and 90s.
Is it possible to make a living from art in Portugal?
If you have good knowledge and don't mind “licking boots”, it is possible. Otherwise I don't think it's possible, unless you manage to create an international career in parallel. Portuguese people always value opinions from abroad more, so if you're valued abroad they'll start to value you here. I was fortunate enough to be able to do that.
A positive message for the community :)
The only way to achieve what you want is with work and time, it's impossible to take shortcuts and try to bear fruit in the long term. Don't rush things, your moment will come eventually!
