artists
every piece has a story, and every story begins with an artist
PUKEKOHE, NEW ZEALAND · AFRO NEO-EXPRESSIONIST PAINTER
VILL∆IN$
VILL∆IN$ is a South African-born, self-taught Afro Neo-Expressionist painter based in Pukekohe. Through vivid colour, layered marks and expressive figures, he transforms his inner world into paintings filled with energy, emotion and what he describes as “organised chaos.”
about
For VILL∆IN$, every painting is a form of self-portraiture—a way of capturing what is happening within his mind and expressing his perception of the world around him.
Working intuitively with acrylic paint and Posca markers on canvas, he layers faces, symbols, words and spontaneous marks into compositions that feel raw, immediate and alive.
There is no single or obvious message within each work. Instead, VILL∆IN$ leaves his paintings open to interpretation, inviting viewers to find something that resonates with their own experiences.
His approach is deliberately free. Rather than overworking a painting in pursuit of perfection, he allows instinct to lead. If something no longer feels right, he paints over it, reworks it or begins again, seeing mistakes as part of the growth of both artist and artwork.
Jean-Michel Basquiat has been an important influence, particularly the freedom and intensity of his mark-making. VILL∆IN$ also draws inspiration from anime, music, other artists and the visual fragments he encounters in everyday life.
Faces appear repeatedly throughout his practice. Distorted, colourful and continually changing, they reflect how differently a person—or a villain—can be seen depending on who is looking.
The idea of the villain sits at the centre of his work. VILL∆IN$ questions familiar stories in which goodness and righteousness are automatically associated with the hero, while others are placed outside that narrative.
His paintings invite viewers to reconsider what a villain might be and whether the identities we assign to people are ever as simple as they appear.
Through colour, energy and expressive freedom, VILL∆IN$ seeks to reshape the idea of the villain into something more complex and ultimately more positive.
Because the villain is not always a villain.
in the rooms
found
VILL∆IN$
Electric green, oversized eyes and a crowned skeletal character create a playful scene with an unsettling edge.
In You Aint Seen, VILL∆IN$ places an elongated figure against a bright green background patterned with turquoise blocks. Bold black outlines frame its open eyes and uneven teeth, while blue, red, ochre and white marks trace its face and exposed anatomy. An outstretched arm reaches beneath a smaller dark figure wearing a yellow crown.
Working intuitively with acrylic paint and Posca markers, VILL∆IN$ combines expressive faces, symbols and layered marks to explore his inner world. The unexpected pairing of characters leaves the story open, inviting viewers to bring their own interpretation to the scene.
This painting would bring vivid colour and character to a living room, music corner or creative workspace, with its strong green palette standing out against both pale and dark walls.
Bold · Playful · Unconventional
Acrylic paint and Posca markers on canvas · 50 cm wide × 60 cm high × 2 cm deep
room images show You Aint Seen alongside other works by VILL∆IN$. Each artwork is sold individually.