Pop/political artist FYR is one of several artists exhibiting their work at República 14 in Olhão until March 29.
“I’m thrilled to be exhibiting my pop and political prints alongside other local artists,” FYR told The Resident this week. “I’m a self-taught, working-class artist trying to break into a notoriously insular industry.”
The Irish artist, based in Tavira, presents limited-edition digital art prints that often incorporate a pop art style, with social and political commentary. “With my affordable prints, I want to challenge the idea that owning quality art has to be expensive, while, in turn, helping fight the growing influence of AI art; because art is more than just 0s and 1s. Art has personality, it has a voice, it is an extension of its creator and we shouldn’t settle for soulless AI imitations,” he continued.
With this vision in mind, FYR says he is grateful for every opportunity to display his work, especially in a physical space. “The opportunity that a physical space offers is priceless. While many express the virtues of social media and its ‘opportunities’ for exposure, I have to admit that I struggle with the nature of how self-promotion looks through its lens.
“Through social media, our lives have become so performative, so removed from reality that we struggle to find real, true engagement. This is why I was so excited about the opportunity to show two of my pieces alongside 85 other artists at República 14.”
The exhibition has been “lovingly curated”, and the space offers an environment to truly engage in the moment, says the artist, “where conversation ignites and connections are made”.
As the organisers state: “This exhibition brings together (…) different nationalities, ages, and cultural and artistic backgrounds, reflecting the diversity, creative richness, and spirit of sharing that define our community. More than an exhibition, this moment celebrates art as a space for encounter, dialogue, and collective expression.”
