Statement
I see painting as a reflection of a paradox, mainly in landscape painting. The paradox of limiting what is not limitable, of framing the unframable. It is in this space, within the defined limits of a canvas, that I try to contain the vast expanse of nature. Each brushstroke, each hue, each mark is a search to communicate something that lies beyond the physical—a paradox where atmosphere becomes both infinite and constrained by form.
I immerse myself in the struggle of observable tension between compositional elements, between their eternal continuity and their limited borders—like a vastness that stretches beyond the edges of the frame. It is perhaps a challenge to the classical archetypes of landscape composition, which ultimately confine the landscape within the boundaries of the frame.
Painting is a window between abstraction and essence, representing the concrete, where the viewer is invited to contemplate a sublime
process in which each limited atmosphere mirrors the infinite of nature, revealing its paradoxical existence. Painting becomes a means of translating the infinite into the finite and back again.
In the end, all that exists is paradox.
Observe how the well-defined horizon serves as a hinge between two complementary realities, how one feels the tension between the unreachable, intangible, dreamlike sky and the earth, something always present, tangible, anchored in the weight of the being that inhabits it. And in the distance, a moment where everything fades and the sky blends with the sea, where the limits of perception are lost, and realities merge—a palpable representation of the resolved paradox, where duality collapses. It is in the balance of these tensions that my painting lives, between the abstract and the concrete.
by BeckenFilipe
About
Born in Lisbon in 1983, Becken Filipe grew up between Lisbon and Berlin, immersed in the cultural vibrancy of two major European cities. He studied Communication Design at IADE Lisbon and later pursued Sculpture at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Lisbon. His early career was rooted in design, co-founding and leading two influential Portuguese streetwear brands, Skulk and Earbox.
It was during his years as a designer that Filipe discovered a deep connection to the landscapes of northern Portugal. The contrast between his urban upbringing and the raw, untamed beauty of this region profoundly influenced his artistic vision. Eventually, he left the fast-paced world of fashion to settle in Viana do Castelo, where the mountains meet the sea, embracing a life dedicated to painting, artistic research, and philosophical inquiry.
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Now fully immersed in his artistic practice, Becken Filipe divides his time between plein air painting, developing high-quality art materials for DARTECOR, and engaging in critical discussions on art and philosophy. His work is deeply influenced by the natural world, capturing atmospheric landscapes that balance tradition and innovation. With a keen interest in exploring the intersection of art, science, and philosophy, Filipe’s work challenges conventional perspectives, redefining the role of the artist as both a creator and a thinker.
His paintings, writings, and contributions to the art community reflect a lifelong pursuit of meaning, bridging visual expression with intellectual depth.