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Portugal

Born in 1985 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and relocating to Portugal in 1988, SNIZ has been passionate about both sports and art from a very young age. Even as a toddler, he was drawn to the adrenaline of physical activities and the focused creativity that came with art, often using it as a way to escape the constraints of the real world. As a child, the artist began skateboarding and found themselves constantly sketching the logos and lettering from skateboards and skate magazines. This early love for street culture eventually led to a deep connection with the Hip-Hop scene, with graffiti becoming a major influence on his artistic expression for many years. His formal education reflects these dual passions: He studied art in high school before moving on to study sports at university. Today, SNIZ's unique art style is characterized by hidden phrases and sentences, carefully designed to provoke thought and emotion in viewers. The creative process for each piece begins with a word or sentence that serves as the foundation. From there, the artist meticulously arranges the letters, ensuring they fit together with minimal spacing, much like solving a puzzle. Once the structure is in place, the focus shifts to color, aiming to achieve a perfect harmony and balance. Throughout the painting process, SNIZ remains open to changes, allowing spontaneity to shape the final outcome. This adaptive approach results in works that blend both precision and fluidity.