Rafael Oliveira was born in Guimarães in 1996 and currently resides and works there. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a specialization in painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Porto. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and competitions in various art institutions and galleries.

Among his accomplishments are: the 16th D. Fernando II Painting Prize in 2020; Honorable Mention at the 11th International Biennial of Vila Verde in 2020; Honorable Mention at the 18th Aveiro Young Creator Contest in 2020; Ferreira de Sá Rugs Grand Prize at the 5th International Art Biennial of Espinho in 2019; Finalist in the Abel Manta Prize in 2019; Honorable Mention at the 16th Aveiro Young Creator Contest in 2017. He has also participated in collective projects such as ECRÃ (Space for Creativity and Artistic Representation) in 2022, Húmus in 2021, Mon(s)tra, and Quarteto de pincéis para uma tela só in 2020.

While his artistic education has been rooted predominantly in academic tradition, his work reflects a fusion of academicism and contemporary art. The relentless pursuit of cohesive compositional structures, harmonious color combinations, and the gesture as a dictating force are aspects to be considered and appreciated in his work.