I cant believe it

Paes is a contemporary painter from Recife, Brazil, living in Belfast.

The artist researches contemporaneity and its issues in a narrative that uses mythology and sociology to signify history from a decolonial perspective. There are several layers to Paes' paintings, some shallower, easily perceptible at first glance, and others that are denser and deeper, requiring a little more attention from the viewer.

Artistic references include Hélio Oiticica, Rodolfo Mesquita, Henry Taylor, Noah Davis, Philip Guston and de Kooning, revealing his inclination towards figurative-abstract painting and conceptual art. His works were celebrated in the past five years, with exhibitions in Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Belfast, including solo and group shows in partnership with galleries, such as Ps2, Catalyst Arts, Platform Arts, Inèditad, Escat and the platform Artsy. Paes’ work has been published in art magazines such as “Azar” (Coimbra, Portugal - Issue ‘2 and ‘4) and “Currents” (Glasgow, Scotland - by The Alchemy Experiment - Issue ‘4). In September 2025, the artist had his first major solo exhibition at the Ps2 Paragon Studios, with the support of Belfast City Council.