HEADLESS URBAN EXPRESSION

A BRAZILIAN STREET ARTIST

Unfortunately, information about the Brazilian illustrator and street artist Eraquario is limited. While their work is visually striking and has been featured in some online galleries and articles, detailed biographical information or critical analysis is scarce.

Here’s what I could gather:

Style: Eraquario’s style appears to be a blend of vibrant colours, bold lines, and abstract forms, often incorporating elements of nature and human figures. Their street art often interacts with the urban environment, adding a splash of colour and imagination to otherwise mundane spaces.
Locations: Eraquario’s work has been documented in Dublin, Ireland, and presumably in Brazil, although specific locations are not widely publicised.
Themes: Based on available images, their work might touch on themes of nature, urban life, and human connection, but this is speculative without artist statements.
Online Presence: Eraquario seems to maintain a low online profile, with limited presence on social media or personal websites.

[Update] A friend of mine saw my photograph of this and dismissed it as not being original as it was a stencil. I have never given the matter any consideration I decided to investigate the subject but I will leave it to you to reach your own conclusions []

In street art, a stencil is a thin sheet of material, like paper or cardboard, with a design cut out of it. This sheet is then placed against a surface, and spray paint is applied over it. When the stencil is removed, the design is left behind on the surface.  

Stencils are produced by:

Creating the design: The artist first creates the design they want to use. This can be done by hand or using a computer.  
Cutting the stencil: The design is then carefully cut out of the chosen material using a sharp knife or scalpel.  
Preparing the surface: The surface the stencil will be used on is cleaned and prepared.  
Applying the stencil: The stencil is then placed against the surface and held in place with tape or adhesive.
Spray painting: Spray paint is applied over the stencil, ensuring an even coat.  
Removing the stencil: Once the paint is dry, the stencil is carefully removed, revealing the design.

Do stencils indicate that the artwork is not original or totally the artist’s work? Not necessarily. While stencils allow for easy reproduction of a design, the original design itself is still the artist’s creation. Additionally, the way the stencil is used, the colours chosen, and the placement of the artwork all contribute to the final piece, making it unique.

However, some may argue that using stencils reduces the originality and skill involved in creating street art compared to freehand painting. Ultimately, whether or not a stencil-based artwork is considered original depends on the individual’s perspective.

Many famous street artists, like Banksy, use stencils extensively in their work, and their art is highly valued and recognised.