London goes nuts for Brazil

If the bank holiday weekend fails to provide the tropical climate we’re all hoping for, at least there’ll be a touch of Brazil available in the capital. London-based audio-visual group Lava Collective will present the first major UK show of Brazilian graphic designer and artist Bruno 9li at East London’s The Rag Factory.

The work of 9li (pronounced ‘novelli’) combines a striking, contemporary colour palette with an interest in nature, spirituality and mysticism. Describing his characters as ‘warriors from civilisations who can see what is invisible to our eyes and indecipherable by our minds’, 9li produces complex pieces full of symbolism.

Although 9li has not exhibited widely in this country before, he has already won an army of UK fans. His distinctive style was used for a cover of independent arts and culture publication Amelia’s Magazine and the artwork for an EP record by dubstep artist Jamie Vex’d.

9li will create a large-scale mural at The Rag Factory, as well as exhibiting work especially commissioned for the show. Fellow Brazilian Talita Hoffmann will also be showing her colourful illustrations, as will UK-based illustrators Ashes57 and Vitriol.

Lava Collective presents Bruno 9li will run from 30 April to 3 May at The Rag Factory, 16 Heneage Street, London E1.