António Gama aka Killa Was Here is a Portuguese artist born in 1997, in the city of Porto. Killa is an artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries, embracing a natural and organic approach to creation. Rather than confining his artistic expression to specific categories or styles, he focuses on the freedom of making art that resonates with his instincts and emotions. His work is deeply personal, often reflecting his own life experiences, feelings, and the complex interplay of thoughts and emotions he encounters. His process of creation evolves organically, with each piece revealing its message as it takes shape, inviting viewers to experience an emotional connection through the use of colors and forms.
Over the years, Killa’s creative journey has been one of constant experimentation and exploration. Though not trained in academic arts, he embraces a wide range of materials and techniques, continually discovering new avenues for his artistic expression. His latest work, primarily in oil on canvas, reflect his ongoing fascination with the tactile nature of traditional media, while also incorporating technologies like 3D printing for his sculptures. Killa Was Here’s artistic repertoire is further defined by his cut-out wooden canvases, which incorporate his signature motifs such as the Killa smile, the Metamorfose butterflies, and the Killaz teddy in bold, dimensional ways. These cut-out canvases allow Killa to blur the lines between painting and sculpture, bringing his motifs into a realm of interaction with the viewer. In addition to these striking wooden canvases, Killa has found significant success with his Killaz collectible sculptures, blending fine art with the collectible culture. His work has garnered attention both locally and internationally, with exhibitions in cities like London, Lisbon, Madrid, and Tokyo.
Killa Was Here’s artistic philosophy revolves around a desire to provoke deep emotional responses from his audience. He seeks to create works that transcend superficial admiration, aiming instead to elicit visceral reactions, whether admiration, love, or even discomfort. His ultimate goal is to create works that stir emotions and challenge the observer, encouraging them to experience something profound rather than simply aesthetically pleasing.
-Text by Gonçalo Meira
