Papou, congratulations on your first solo exhibition with us here at RAINBOW STUDIOS. How do you feel?

I feel amazing. I’m back home settled and a bit sleepy but my heart is very full. 

Head in the clouds created a heartwarming feeling in our Darlinghurst showroom. Can you explain what this exhibition is about?

Head In The Clouds is a very intimate look inside myself. It is like a museum of my mind, a full embrace of all that I am. It feels like coming home to myself. My whole life, I have lived with my head in the clouds, and I used to resist it. As I have gotten older, I have embraced the way I exist. My paintings have helped me understand that my perspective is full of presence and joy, and it allows me to change the narrative of everything all at once. While the world is on fire, I am over here noticing the things that feel good, that feel aligned. That keeps me good company.


What do you have planned for your art for the rest of the year?

I have many things happening all at once. I am currently finishing the design of a six-piece collection with a UK-based clothing brand. I am also getting ready to head to Mexico this summer for my art, and I have a solo exhibition in Miami, Florida, with a gallery I am very excited to be partnering with. I also have a major collaboration in the works with a leading design label that I cannot share just yet, but soon the world will know.


What do you love most about being an artist? 

What I love most about being an artist is that I get to exist exactly as I am. I was never meant for anything cookie cutter. An office job and school was never for me. 

Papou, tell us a little more about yourself and your art journey?

I have been an artist my whole life. I am a deep lover. I find beauty in everything. Sometimes I do not have the words, so my paintings speak for me. I do not have a formal art education. Everything has been very primitive and intuitive, but it spills out of me. Before I became a full-time artist, I was a clothing designer. In general, I am creative and love design in all its forms. Feng shui, interiors, architecture, fashion, art, furniture, especially chairs, even sound. When it feels right, it can make my mouth water. I believe my art will grow beyond the canvas. I have many ideas for what it could become. I want to go as far as designing playgrounds, and I hope to always find a way to give back to the world.


What did you like about Australia?

I loved being in Australia in a lot of ways. It felt like my home in Miami. The people, food and atmosphere it’s all very charming and lush. 


What does Head in the clouds mean to you? 

Head In The Clouds is a permission I have given myself to be, in all the ways I exist. I am. I lack nothing.


If you could describe the RAINBOW STUDIOS community in three words what would they be?

Fucking groovy souls.