For this edition of FanArt Friday, Pokémon Blog is beyond delighted to display the extraordinary art of Rafael (Rafiki_art_). This talented artist contributed to the fourth and fifth generations of Pokédex Ilustrada, a project organized by our dear friends from Ilustradoras Unidas.
Rafael describes art as “the expression that a person can have of the world through some techniques that allow them to convey their feelings to others.”
“By painting figures, I’ve managed to express my desire to give a ‘palpable’ life to the figures that I once considered dead or useless,” he shared. “I was able to give those figures life, and they could awaken emotions in those who see them, even when it’s still just a figure.”
Pokémon has been a part of Rafael’s life since he was 12.
“I watched the Pokémon anime and then played TCG and Pogs. Every chance I got, I would draw a Pokémon in a notebook. Dreaming that the Pokémon could become real and accompany you was the best. Although I regretted that the main goal was to make them fight, I got over the notion that they were real when I was still a kid. Now that I’m older, I still play cards and paint one or another as a way to relive my childhood, and I share it with everyone I can,” he said.
For Rafael, having the opportunity to paint Pokémon figures is simply incredible: “When I was offered the chance to contribute to the fourth generation of Pokédex Ilustrada, I must admit that I had to refresh my knowledge a bit about the Pokémon from that generation, but it didn’t take long. I quickly got to work. I aimed to ensure that, in both of the pieces I created for the Pokédex, it was evident that the motionless figures gave the sensation of being real and alive—and for people to feel that way too.”
His favorite Pokémon is none other than Meowth.
“I picked him because he’s a cat and part of Team Rocket, but also because he talked and had a unique personality. Even the other Meowths that appeared in the anime were like real cats—laid-back, relaxed, and rambunctious. I love them,” he concluded.
Remember you can follow our featured artist Rafael on his Social Media Account:
You can see more of his mindblowing artwork for Pokédex Ilustrada below:
Pokémon Blog 