VHILS Unearths Hidden Narratives in 'Latent' Exhibition, Marking Debut in Mallorca and Partnership with Baró

Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto, widely recognized by his moniker VHILS, has unveiled his inaugural solo exhibition in Mallorca, titled ‘Latent.’ This significant event not only marks his first presentation on the island but also signifies the commencement of a new artistic collaboration with Baró gallery. The exhibition, which opened its doors during the 2026 edition of Nit de l’Art, a prominent art event in Palma, delves deeply into VHILS’ established artistic philosophy centered on subtraction, memory, material, and the transformative processes inherent in urban environments.

For over two decades, VHILS has cultivated a distinctive artistic practice that diverges from conventional methods of image creation. Instead of applying or adding to existing surfaces, he employs a process of excavation, meticulously cutting, drilling, tearing, and breaking into them. This subtractive approach allows him to uncover and reveal hidden portraits and imagery embedded within the material and historical layers of his chosen substrates. This unique methodology is the core focus of ‘Latent,’ which is presented across the two main exhibition spaces of Baró gallery.

The exhibition derives its evocative title, ‘Latent,’ from a remarkable optical phenomenon observed within Palma Cathedral, locally known as La Seu. This natural occurrence happens twice a year when sunlight, passing through the cathedral’s magnificent rose window, casts its intricate pattern onto the opposite wall. The projected light momentarily creates the illusion of a second rose window, revealing an image that was always contained within the existing architecture but not always visible. This natural revelation of pre-existing imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for VHILS’ artistic process. He begins with an existing surface, whether it be an abandoned door, a torn billboard, or a ceramic tile, and through his intervention, he excavates these layers to bring forth an emergent image that was previously concealed.

‘Latent’ features a diverse array of VHILS’ ongoing bodies of work. Visitors can observe abandoned doors that have been intricately carved to reveal striking portraits, transforming discarded objects into canvases for human likeness. Advertising billboards, often symbols of transient messages, are deconstructed and cut apart, their fragmented surfaces resembling archaeological sites that hint at layers of past communication and urban decay. Ceramic tiles, typically functional elements, are repurposed as foundations for detailed portraits, showcasing the artist’s versatility. Furthermore, the exhibition includes compelling sculptural works crafted from fragments salvaged from demolished buildings. These pieces are imbued with the history of their former environments, retaining discernible traces of their past lives and contributing to the exhibition’s overarching themes of memory and urban transformation. Through ‘Latent,’ VHILS continues to explore the profound connections between art, history, and the urban fabric, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface and discover the hidden narratives that lie beneath.