Combating Black Stereotypes Through Bold, Powerful Art

Art has always been a part of Patek's world. Growing up in Brazil, he was exposed to it at a young age by his mother and brother and found himself drawn to all its different forms, from graffiti to tattoos to illustrations. The visual artist has turned his art into powerful storytelling, choosing to share his perspective through flat vector aesthetics and bold colors. His work—which spans 25 years—is focused on the Black community from a viewpoint that looks to dismantle stereotypes. “The world in general needs to know how great we are,” said Patek. “And our people need to be remembered as well, from time to time.” How old were you when you discovered your passion for the art world?Patek: When I was a kid, I used to see my brother draw a lot and my mom paint on canvas at home. So, I guess art got my attention when I was 10-12 years old. When I got older, graffiti, fine arts, tattoos and illustrations just became part of my life. What do you want people to take away after discovering your work?I hope people can understand how important Black people are and that our culture is great and must be celebrated as any other culture. And that we Black artists, writers and creatives in general can tell our own stories. What does it mean to you to be able to represent the Black community in your art?It's such an honor and a commitment. It's not only about me and what I need to say, but what is important for my people. And we all know how hard it is to get our voices heard and our demands are taken seriously in a world where it seems that some lives are more than others. If there was a song to describe your work, what would it be?"I'm a African" from Dead Prez could be that song. What is your favorite work that you’ve done?There's a piece that I made for a contest two years ago. It’s about police violence, racism and freedom of speech that is very important to me because it is something we still need to talk about and fight back nowadays and every day of our lives. For example, the police killed three Black kids last week here in my city, Salvador, in a Black neighborhood called Gamboa. This case only got some news attention here. It's outrageous. Is there an artist you look up to or inspires you?Not only one, but several artists from different backgrounds. Illustrators, visual artists, graffiti writers. I can name a few like Lee27, Onesto, Hugo Canuto, Márcio Duarte, Consp, Willian Santiago, Luna Bastos, Oliver Dorea, Jofori, Dáblio, Preta Ilustra, Geneva, Dapenha, Bigod, Mateus Manhanini and Amora Moreira. Who do you think is an up-and-coming artist and why?Salamanda is an artist from Salvador, and she has an amazing work about Orixás. What did the work for Adweek Black History Month Voice Series mean to you personally?This is my first job for a big U.S. media client, and it was a great experience. And I really hope it's the first one of many to come and not only a seasonal thing like what happens in February (or November in Brazil) because of Black History Month. We, as Black artists and creatives, are good enough and talented enough during all year and not only on special dates. What was your favorite artwork from the series and why?"What Your Black Employees Wish You Would and Wouldn’t Do for Black History Month" because it shows two people who are bold and confident. And it also shows—through the elements in the piece—Black people's contribution to technology, culture and history. What’s next for you?Next move is making my art and my voice go far and reach as many people as I can. The Adweek Black History Month Voice Series

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Visual Artist Patek Is Combating Black Stereotypes Through Bold, Powerful Art

One-on-one with the artist behind Adweek’s Black History Month illustrations

Luz Corona

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Luz Corona