Célia Rako is a French painter of Malagasy origin, born in Paris in 1994. She currently divides her time between São Miguel, Paris and Nosy Be.

After finishing her studies in the IÉSEG School of Management in Paris, she decided to dedicate herself fully to painting, complementing her training with a course in History of Art at Oxford University. In 2019 she honed her curatorial skills in the Berlin University of the Arts and at Freie Universität, focusing on the art market.

A member of the artistic collective Le Cercle de l'Art, Célia develops a figurative style which mixes surrealism and realism, exploring portraits with precise brush strokes and deconstructing them through superimposed ethereal reflections.

Her art reflects an in-depth investigation into identity, culture and perceptions, questioning the subjectivity of each person in the construction of reality. In addition to her dedication to visual arts, she is a surfing enthusiast, being often found among the São Miguel peaks, riding the Atlantic waves.

CÉLIA RAKOTONDRAINY

FRANCISCO GARCIA

Francisco Garcia is a photographer based in São Miguel, Azores, whose work captures the essence of the Atlantic Ocean and the rich birdlife of the region.

Through his lens, Francisco offers a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the Azores, highlighting both the seascapes and the diverse species of birds which inhabit the Arquipelago. His portfolio reflects a profound dedication to the art of photography and a clear passion for the natural world which surrounds it.

Among the most important projects in which he has participated, his collaboration with the Blue Azores project stands out, when he was invited to become a “Blue Voice”, contributing to the awareness and conservation of the marine ecosystems of the Azores. In addition to this, Francisco reached third place in the category of “Photography with sound” with his picture “Cry of the yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis)” on the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, SãoMiguel.

Additionally, he offers professional photography and videography surf services in Portugal, capturing memorable moments for surfers who wish to eternalize their experiences on the Azorean waves.

Sara is an Azorian illustrator and graphic designer known for her contemporary style, which combines minimalist and ironic elements.

Her art, which is frequently presented in the form of a cartoon, reflects an insightful observation of daily Azorean life, capturing situations that are both cartoonish and emblematic of local life. Aside from her artistic work, Sara is an enthusiast of surfing and Surfskate, sports which complement her intimate connection to the culture and environment of the island. Among the most relevant projects in which she has participated, one that stands out is the creation of a local registered brand, "Eh Rapá," in 2024, where she presents limited collections of illustrations inspired by the pronunciation on São Miguel.

In addition, Sara collaborated with the “Vacancy - Space for Art and Knowledge”, contributing to the design of cultural and artistic projects in the region, In 2018 she was invited by the art editor of the Reader’s Digest to create an illustration for an article, after having submitted one of her own illustrations two years previously. Additionally, Sara maintains an active presence on social media, where she regularly shares humorous observations about her day or a day in the Azores through illustrations and cartoons.

SARA AZAD

Born in Lisbon in 1974, he is a visual urban artist and surfer with a career dating back to 1996. His art began at the age of 12 years, drawing imaginary pictures with chalk on asphalt.

During his academic training in Fashion Design, he worked as a designer at the animation studio, MagicToons.

In 1998 he had his first contact with graffiti, which was the beginning of his career in the world of urban art.

Nationally and internationally recognised, MAR collaborates with major brands and maintains a style characterised by illustrations that are both strong and intricate, where surrealism transforms the figurative.

He is a member of the collectives ARM, BAM (Because Art Matters) and of the renowned Thunders Crew. In addition to this, he actively participates in solo and group exhibitions, contributing significantly to the contemporary artist scene.

GONÇALO MAR

João Amado, born in 1992 in São Miguel, Azores is a self-taught, visual artist who uses the technique of traditional collage to compose the visual and conceptual structure of his work. His work explores themes which investigate the meaning of spirituality and the relation of the human being to the work, often through neo-surrealist language.

Amado has actively participated in the Azorean art scene, being involved in various cultural events on the islands. Among the more important projects in which he has participated,his solo exhibition on the Archipelago stands out - the Centre for Contemporary Art, titled “If you can look, see. If you can see, sort it” where he addressed the relationship between man and nature by means of compositions which invite deep contemplation.

He has taken part in international collage festivals, like “Paste Up” in Mexico city and “Collagists” in Brussels, bringing his artistic visual beyond borders.

He was also present at the inaugural exhibition of the VAGA space in Ponta Delgada, contributing to local cultural dynamism.

JOÃO AMADO

SKRAN

Skran is an artist whose energy and creativity manifest themselves in vibrant art, full of movement and connection with urban and surfing culture. A practitioner of the sport, he incorporates the fluidity and freedom of the ocean into his creations, reflecting this influence in dynamic compositions full of visual impact.

A specialist in graffiti and stencil art, his work stands out for its use of intense colors and geometric elements that merge with figurative and abstract features. His works are a true visual dance, combining precision and spontaneity to create narratives that challenge perception and provoke reflection. Skran not only masters techniques, but also experiments and explores new possibilities, turning surfaces into canvases and ideas into immersive experiences.

With an unmistakable style, he moves between the urban and the natural, leaving his mark on cultural events, urban art festivals and collaborations with brands. In addition he participates in social projects where art acts as a tool for transformation and expression. Always expanding his horizons, Skran continues to make an impact on the spaces where he goes, whether in the beating heart of the streets or in natural settings where his art merges with the landscape.

Frame01 is an artist whose career reflects his passion for the sea and urban culture. A surfing enthusiast, he channels the ocean's energy into his art, exploring multiple visual languages, from comics and illustration to graphic design and tattooing, always with a striking style full of personality.

Active in graffiti since 1998, he has developed a style that oscillates between figurative and abstract, mixing realism and illustration in compositions that vary between the dark and the introspective. His influences come from rock, movies, series, comic books and science fiction, creating works full of visual references and profound meaning.

The sea, waves, human reflection and environmental protection are recurring themes in his work. As mentor and co-creator of the SARGO Surf Art project, he promotes the connection between art and surfing, encouraging ecological awareness.

His most important projects include his collaboration with Solid Dogma on the Coruja campaign, as well as creating murals for Monbike in São Miguel and AzoresEasy Rent, consolidating his artistic presence in the Azores. Always in search of new expressive forms, Frame01 continues to expand his horizons and inspire with his vibrant and authentic art

FRAME0NE

PIPOCA, AKA SERGIO BRANCO

PIpoca is a name that resonates with creativity, innovation and a deep connection with art and nature. With more than 30 years of surfing experience, he not only masters the waves, but also carries with him the essence of freedom and expression that the ocean inspires.

In addition to his passion for surfing and graffiti, Sergio is a multidisciplinary artist who masterfully moves between design, sculpture and woodworking. His work is known for its organic and sustainable aesthetic, with his sculptures made from recycled materials, being notable for use of recycled materials, the famous “Encalhados” (Stranded). These pieces, created from objects found adrift, take on a new life in his hands, becoming works that tell stories of resilience and reinvention.

Pipoca has participated in urban intervention projects, street art festivals, collaborations with brands and environmental initiatives linked to sustainability and the reuse of materials. His work reflects an innovative and multidisciplinary approach, where surfing, urban art, design and sustainability intertwine harmoniously. Pipoca01 is not just an artist, but a storyteller, whose works echo the beauty of improvisation and the power of transformation.

MosaikOne is a Portuguese graffiti writer, recognised as one of the pioneers of the second generation of national graffiti. In addition to his passion for urban art, he is an enthusiast of outdoor sports such as cycling and underwater fishing.

His distinctive style stands out for its construction of lettering and figurative elements, characterised by precise strokes and unique compositions of shape and color. He transforms walls and surfaces into veritable visual carpets full of colors, patterns and textures, creating works that are a fusion of mathematical precision and free artistic expression, resulting in compositions that challenge perception and captivate the eye.

He is a member of the Thunders Crew and the historic PRM Crew, which he has returned to in his painting, following a break. Among the most important projects in which he has participated, we highlight his contribution to the MURO Urban Art Festival in 2019, in the Lumiar neighborhood, Lisbon, where he created the work “MUSIC”. In this piece, MosaikOne intertwined his name with the word “Music”, incorporating elements such as a bird, an old gramophone, musical notes and a loudspeaker all bound in bright, warm colours.

He also took part in the “Cubo Mágico” urban art festival in Viseu, where he presented a work that showed his characteristic style of geometric shapes and vibrant colors. MosaikOne maintains an active presence in the artistic community, collaborating with other artists and taking part in events that celebrate graffiti culture in Portugal.

MOSAIK

NELSON RAPOSO

Nelson Raposo was born in Ginetes (São Miguel, Azores) on June 19, 1975. He has always been deeply fascinated by nature, especially the sea.

From a young age, he watched ocean documentaries with great interest, which sparked his desire to explore the underwater world himself. He began free diving and practiced spearfishing for many years. During these journeys, he often found himself simply observing marine life and the surrounding environment. This passion led him to complete a scuba diving course, allowing him to stay underwater for longer periods. It was at this time that he started taking photographs, using a simple camera he already owned.

Since then, he has never stopped. Photography has become a lifelong learning experience, and today, he finds it difficult to dive without his camera. For him, no two dives are ever the same—there is always something new to capture, remember, and share.

Nelson Raposo has earned recognition in regional photography competitions and has co-authored five books on terrestrial and underwater photography. His work has been featured in various group exhibitions, and he has held four solo exhibitions, two of which focused on underwater photography. Additionally, he occasionally collaborates by providing images for scientific purposes and publications in Azorean magazines.