Mark Barretto
Mark Barretto (b. Philippines 1979) currently lives in Dubai, UAE. Also known for his works in the streets as Defs making his mark since the mid-2000s from then Manila’s early graffiti and street art scene.
His paintings, installations and other works are largely influenced by street culture and contemporary urban conditions, mostly seen in a build-up of images lifted from things he finds around showing distinct attributes that identifies his surroundings. He takes inspirations from places where he is currently at and reflects his views on unfamiliarity, identity and adaptation relating to his experiences as a migrant moving to the Middle East in 2007, assimilating present influences and occurrences that shaped his works.
He has been part of international exhibitions and art events in America, Mexico, Germany, Belgium, Italy, venues such as The Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Metropolitan Museum, Lopez Museum, Ronac Art Center in Manila, Massachusetts Museum Of Contemporary Art in the US, Insa Art Center in Seoul, Korea, Abu Dhabi Art Hub, Tashkeel, Alserkal Avenue, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre in the UAE.
In 2016 his work has been presented in ART DUBAI, a leading international art fair in the Middle East, Africa and SouthAsia under the Marker Programme, he is one of the headliners for SIKKA Art Fair 2017 and 2018 an initiative by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, invited to Sasaran International Art Festival 2017 in Malaysia and most recently, he is one of the exhibiting artists at the Clubhouse – HKwalls Festival 2019 in Hong Kong.
OK
Acrylic on Shaped paper
27cm x 35cm
Signed at the back
2020
Price available upon request
AGD (A Good Day)
23cm x 28cm
Signed at the back
2020