Biography
João Maurício, better known under the artistic name Violant, is a Portuguese street artist and muralist born in 1988 in Torres Novas, Portugal. He discovered his passion for urban art at the age of 13, beginning with spray painting, and by 16, he was already developing his own visual language. His formal education includes a degree in Fine Arts and Multimedia from the School of Education of Santarém, followed by a master's in Fine Arts from the School of Arts and Design in Caldas da Rainha.
]Violant is widely recognized for his large-scale murals, which he paints using long-handled rollers and brushes, purposefully avoiding tools such as industrial scaffolding or projectors. His creative process embraces the physicality of painting, aligning with his philosophy of making art that is both accessible and grounded in public space.
Thematically, his work is deeply metaphorical and socially engaged. He addresses contemporary global issues such as climate change, animal cruelty, and human overconsumption, translating these concerns into powerful, symbolic imagery. His visual narratives often combine figurative realism with surreal or conceptual elements, inviting viewers to reflect on the world around them.
Since 2011, Maurício has focused entirely on mural painting, leaving his artistic mark on buildings throughout Portugal and Poland. One of his most celebrated murals is a tribute to Nobel laureate José Saramago, located in Golegã and inaugurated by Saramago's widow, Pilar del Río. This piece stands as a testament to Violant's ability to merge cultural homage with visual storytelling.
Through his work, Violant continues to affirm the role of urban art as a form of social commentary, while showcasing the ephemeral beauty of muralism. His contributions have positioned him as a key figure in the Portuguese contemporary art scene, and his murals are part of a growing international dialogue within the world of street art.
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