Afonso de Oliveira (aka Afonsoul) is a Brazilian self-taught artist based in Portugal. He has proved to be a strong name among the new generation of Brazilian artists. His career began during the pandemic, motivated by the restlessness to express himself and trying to make a difference in a world that was in isolation. At first, because he didn't know how to paint, he worked producing digital collages that were gradually replaced by drawings made up of organic lines that quickly evolved into a language that mixes realism with graphic elements, inviting the viewer to dream and allow themselves to experience feelings that are often trapped by our routine.
Despite his young career, the artist has already produced murals and canvases in 7 countries and continues to paint tirelessly with the aim of making our world a better place, where art is the means to invite us to allow ourselves to feel and dream without judgement.

In his first big wall in the Netherlands Afonsoul depicts a connection between the past and future. The artist was inspired by the Eschpoort, the historical city gate that used to be here. He took this gate as a starting point to explore both the rich history and the promising future of the city.
The child seems to be building the city gate,
which means that children are the future of the city. If you look closely, you can graphically see the city coat of arms of Enschede. In addition, the colors red, white and blue have been used. Both the color red of Enschede and the colors of the Dutch flag.