Alexandre Farto, known under the pseudonym Vhils, is an artist born in Lisbon in 1987 who has revolutionised contemporary art as an „urban archaeologist“. His artistic approach is radical and innovative: instead of painting surfaces in the traditional way, he creates his works by removing layers of material in a controlled manner. Using tools such as pneumatic hammers, drills, acid and even explosives, he exposes hidden layers of house walls or billboards. This process of „destroying in order to create“ results in impressive portraits with haptic depth that address the dialogue between people and urban space.

Influenced by the rapid urbanisation of his home town in the 1980s and 90s, Vhils draws parallels in his work to the principles of New Realism and psychogeography. He began with graffiti and stencil art at the age of 13 before developing his unmistakable style at the Byam Shaw School of Art in London. His central concern is to reflect the effects of global development and homogenisation on the identity of people and the structure of cities. By working on the „skin“ of the city, he makes the time and material culture that has been deposited in the walls over decades physically visible.

Vhils’ artistic spectrum extends far beyond wall carving. He works experimentally with metal etchings, pyrotechnic explosions, video works and complex sculptural installations. He realises his projects worldwide, from collaborations with communities in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro to exhibitions in leading institutions such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris or the CAFA Art Museum in Beijing. At MUCA Munich, his work is currently being honoured in the comprehensive solo exhibition „Strata - Selected works: 2005 - 2025“, which offers a deep insight into two decades of his conceptual and technical evolution.