Tile Addict has a special love for public art, and it often seems that there aren’t nearly enough artists utilising ceramics in their work. After covering and re-covering the works of Pixel, Tiler, Add Fuel, Invader, and Tim Bachor, we didn’t think we’d be lucky enough to come across more artists this year.
But that was before Coletivo MUDA was brought to our attention! This modern Brazilian group is comprised of designers and architects using the street as their canvas. Bruna Vieira, João Tolentino, Diego Uribbe, Duke Capellão, and Rodrigo Kalache began experimenting with public art after forming their group in 2010.
Their work quickly became complex. Taking bold, colourful inspiration from graffiti, their installations are often vibrant and geometric. By taking time to understand their location target they form sit-specific designs and colour schemes which seek to give life to neglected and ignored areas, giving them an attitude and demanding attention.
The key is to surprise passers-by, and give them something to wonder about, admire, and smile at. The tiles used are produced in a traditional Portuguese way, making them durable and honouring their heritage. The installations range in size, from the small red-and-blue abstract form placed outside a Portuguese antique shop, to the 160m² wall piece installed for São Paolo’s Nu Festival.
In keeping with their desire to give life to undervalued spaces, the underside of bridges seems to be a favourite spot for the group. These drab, concrete blocks are given a stylish attitude, and it is here that MUDA’s love of graffiti can easily be recognised. Their desire is not only for their pieces to stand out, but for them to belong, and work in harmony with their surroundings.
A new post by Hanna Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, August 2019.
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