FINOK – DESPACHO
Using the principle of popular imagery related to Brazilian beliefs, Finok presents a profound look at the perplexity that the boy from the suburbs suffers in discovering the wiles of the world. Later, as an adult, his wisdom and spirituality lead him to protect himself. Despacho (“Order”), Voodoo, Saravá, Ebó . Words of a religious nature that name some of the manifestations derived from the rich Brazilian popular culture Labelled profane by other religious groups, these practices have consolidated themselves into the population which takes refuge in them against the malign intervention of others, under the protection of the deities called Orixás. Religious considerations aside, what makes a graffiti artist research these beliefs and make them the subject of his poetry? Finok answers the question with a vigorous and mature artistic production, bringing to the entire work an authentic significance based on his own experiences.
Comprising explicit or subjective symbolism, containing the perception of hidden threats and consequent guileful intuition of others, a good example is the kite shape, repeated in several works, which simply echoes one of the first disappointments experienced in life: "The glass impregnated wax of my friend’s kite cut the line that held my own ... " Graffiti sustains the proposal, as it is a technique of free creation. However, Finok goes deeper by adding elements whose composition demands absolute domination of the method. Through the figures in the foreground, there is the focus on formal happening, the ritual action. The geometric field, sometimes rhythmic and difficult to execute, suggests permanent physical and spiritual struggles in their cutouts and interruptions. The Mediterranean palette of some works, or the same palette subsequently reduced by overlapping layers of bituminous paint of other works, offers a restless interpretation from its tonal contrasts. The scepticism, the uncertainty and subsequent spiritual balance derived from such processes - are not easily distinguished in the images, but it’s strength is clearly perceived. The result is an anarchic joyfulness linked to ordination and enchantment as only great works of art provide.
Anne Smith, November/2013