Cream: Rafa Silvares

In Cream, we find the exploration of the fluidity of boundaries, where transformation and movement take precedence. Rafa Silvares' work delves into the constant shifting of space and form,emphasizing the dynamic tension between opposing forces. Through an interplay of lines, shapes, and contrasts, the exhibition captures a sense of ongoing change, where repetition offers fresh perspectives and new insights. 

In Silvares' works appear a meticulous—almost surgical—study of a variety of surfaces, among which stand out, above all, the focus on metal reflections, turning the surface into a battleground of contrasting elements, where metal is not rendered hyperrealistically but reimagined as a dynamic force. These objects or devices, sometimes in combustion, sometimes give off fumes, sometimes fluids that in Silvares' imagery become substances of creamy and evocative texture.  

At the heart of these compositions is an exploration of balance—between light and dark, order and chaos, the material and the ephemeral. This tension is expressed through color gradients, swirling forms, and the constant flux of energy and emotion.  

The figurative elements in the work evoke an allegorical dimension, particularly through the concept of the "pleasure principle." This principle, rooted in the human desire for visual satisfaction, manifests in the sensuality of curves, textures, and vibrant colors. Silvares’ paintings mirror the overwhelming saturation of desire in a hyper-connected world—marked by consumerism, sexuality,automation, and surveillance. Drawing from influences like Paul B. Preciado’s “Orgasmic Force,” the works engage with the hyperreal landscapes that define contemporary existence. They reflect the incessant flow of images and ideas that bombard our consciousness, capturing the tension between human agency and technological influence. 

In these series of works, we can observe nods to the legacy of Pop Art, Modernism, and the classical still life, while focusing more on the act of painting itself—on contrasts, color frequencies, and the geometry of often-overlooked objects. Paint is treated as a transformative tool, shaping the canvas into a site of emotional expression and sensory exploration. 

Rafa Silvares has a degree in Fine Arts and in Language and Literature. His works have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Brazil, USA, Germany, France and Germany. He currently lives and works in Berlin.