In Surreal Portraits, Rafael Silveira Plunges Into the Mysteries of the Human Psyche

A vibrant and colorful portrait of a figure without a head, but instead a bark-like textured neck and bouquet of flowers.

“Extravaso.” All images © Rafael Silveira, shared with permission

Brazilian artist Rafael Silveira supplants heads with bunches of flowers, flocks of birds, and plumes of smoke in fantastical portraits that delve into the inner workings of the human psyche. Lively hues of pink, yellow, and blue come together as he continues to convey the permeation of emotions through surreal phenomena.

Since childhood, Silveira has harbored a profound interest in the complexities of the mental universe. “I believe that my art is a profound dive into the human mind,” the artist tells Colossal. “I find inspiration in the mysteries of the human psyche and in the energies, both tangible and intangible, that permeate our lives and the nature surrounding us.”

As he translates these concepts to oil paintings, familiar anatomical features partake in unusual sights, as eyeballs hover like hot-air balloons, lips emerge from flowers, and brains converge with swans.

From his studio in Brazil, Silveira is currently working toward his first major solo exhibition next summer at KP Projects Gallery in Los Angeles. Make sure to visit the artist’s website for more work, keep an eye on his Instagram for studio views, and pick up one of his new prints.

A vibrant and colorful portrait of a figure without a head, but instead birds flying nearby, with two eyeballs

“Free Mind”

A vibrant and colorful portrait of a figure without a head, but instead a large cloud of smoke, lightning, flames, and sunglasses.

“Burning Desire”

A vibrant and colorful portrait of a figure without a head, but instead two eyebals hovering above the rest of the body, like hot air balloons in the background

“Ebulição”

“Recanto”

an Ibis with a large eyeball on its body, a hibiscus flower, and another flwoer make up the eyes and lips of a face.

“Polyphonic Nature of Existence”

A vibrant and colorful portrait of a figure without a head, but instead pink and red flwoers growing upwards from the body, and a hat on top.

“Flora Intimista”

A vibrant and colorful portrait of a figure without a head, but instead a large pink cloud.

“Vapores de Mente”

An artist painting in their studio

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article In Surreal Portraits, Rafael Silveira Plunges Into the Mysteries of the Human Psyche appeared first on Colossal.

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