FYR believes art can reach people who might not otherwise engage with politics, and that belief shapes his work. “Not everyone is comfortable or interested in engaging with political or social themes through the normal channels, so I think art can be a conduit. It can be used to reach a wide demographic in a possibly less formal, academic environment.”
He sees political art as part of a long tradition. From early civilisations through movements such as Dadaism to contemporary street art, artists have used their work to make statements. To FYR, combining politics and art feels natural. He believes art allows difficult subjects to be approached in a way that feels less formal and more open.
In one piece currently on display at República 14 in Olhão, he comments on corruption within the economic system using the familiar figure of Mr Monopoly. The character, widely recognised and associated with board games and popular culture, allows him to introduce political themes through imagery that feels accessible rather than confrontational. To him, the goal is not to dictate conclusions but to encourage viewers to think critically about the world around them. “I want them to ignite conversation, drive debate and encourage thought.”
Art for the Masses
FYR works primarily with digital prints for both practical and philosophical reasons. Digital art offered him a way back into creativity after years of seeing it as an unrealistic career path. Without the need for a dedicated studio or constant investment in materials, he could create when time allowed. The medium, he explains, suits both his schedule and his bold, vibrant style. The choice of prints is also ideological. The art world, he suggests, can appear insular and inaccessible. Coming from a working-class background, that perception shaped his approach. “I want to challenge the idea that owning quality art has to be expensive.”
By producing limited-edition, hand-drawn prints at affordable prices, he hopes to offer a way into that space. He distinguishes accessibility from mass production. “Art has been around for over 100,000 years; it’s part of what makes us human, and it should be accessible to all.” Ultimately, he wants viewers to leave believing that “art can be for the masses, without the mass production.”
Find Your Reason
The artist’s name, FYR, is an acronym for “Find Your Reason.” Born in London to a working-class background, he describes himself as self-taught. For years, art was something he did instinctively rather than professionally. Growing up in London meant being surrounded by creativity, from free museums to graffiti murals and street artists sketching tourists. He recalls always scribbling on anything he could find. Yet despite that exposure, he did not initially see the art world as a possible trajectory.
Now living between Spain and Portugal, he creates art professionally, but he does not place himself above everyday creativity. “I’m no more of an artist than anyone who doodles in their notepad, writes a speech for a wedding or even builds a kitchen.” What drives him, he says, is the belief that the artistic instinct that is in all of us can be developed into something greater than a spark.
A Scene in Motion
FYR views Portugal’s art scene as energetic, outward-looking, and increasingly international. Lisbon hosts major events such as ARCOlisboa and Lisbon Art Weekend, creating space for both institutional growth and experimentation. He highlights the diversity of the scene, where socially engaged murals, diaspora-focused exhibitions and bold street art exist alongside international fairs. “Community projects and urban interventions feel just as important as blue-chip exhibitions.”
República 14 reflects that spirit. The current exhibition brings together more than 80 artists from different backgrounds and at different stages of their careers. To FYR, being part of a physical exhibition matters. In a world dominated by online visibility and fleeting attention, gallery spaces allow people to stand in front of a piece, take their time and engage more directly with the work.
More Than 0s and 1s
To FYR, contemporary art exists within a broader technological moment. As artificial intelligence tools become more prominent, conversations around creativity and authorship have intensified. He sees art as inseparable from its maker. “Art, much like the humans that have been creating it for over 100,000 years, is more than just 0s and 1s.”
He describes the current climate as a crossroads, where a small and powerful group shapes the narrative around technology and its role in society. While the benefits of AI are often highlighted, he is wary of conversations that frame human creativity as replaceable. To him, the distinction between a tool and a creator remains essential.
Art, he argues, is not simply output. It carries intention, perspective and the lived experiences of the person behind it. “Art has personality, it has a voice, it is an extension of its creator, and we shouldn’t settle for soulless AI imitations.” In a moment defined by automation and acceleration, he maintains that the human presence behind the work is what ultimately gives it meaning.
Contact:
Rury Scanlon, Artist Name FYR
E-mail: hello@fyr-findyourreason.com
Phone number: +351 662 591 311