Paradise in Flames - Black Wings and Screens

My professional relationship with Paradise in Flames spans several years, during which I was able to develop two rustic-style paintings, referencing techniques such as charcoal, sponge, thick brush, and dip pen, for the music video of the track "Galeria de Arte do Inferno" (2023).

In this production, the main elements are seven canvases representing disasters/crimes against humanity, two of which I was invited to paint. I also provided art assistance, facilitating the printing and production of all the paintings.

One of the paintings commemorates the murder of George Floyd (46 years old, 2020 - Minneapolis - USA), in which a police officer, in an abusive act of authority, stepped on and pressed the man's neck, killing him by asphyxiation. His last words, "I can't breathe," resonated worldwide.

The second painting I created depicts Genivaldo de Jesus (38 years old), murdered by the Highway Police (Sergipe - 2022) by being thrown into the trunk of an official vehicle and suffocated in an "improvised gas chamber".

Regarding the work developed for the single "Black Wings" by the band Paradise in Flames (Black Metal - BH) in 2024: when inviting me to the project, its leader, André Damien, also owner of the Maçonaria do Áudio studio (Nova Lima - MG), asked if, in addition to realistic painting, I worked with more abstract styles.

At the time I affirmed that I did, in the sense of "being able to handle the task," as the demand was new to my artistic practice. In an attempt to seize this opportunity, I proposed an agreement where I determined a reasonable time to study and execute the work to a sufficient point, at which point André could conclude whether the process was meeting expectations or not. At the end of this stage, the response was positive and we proceeded with the finalization of the painting.

This "process test" treatment was unique to this project, especially in order not to miss the opportunity, since Paradise in Flames deeply values its audiovisual quality, in addition to the respect it has earned in the heavy metal scene, both in Brazil and abroad. We needed to honor the invitation and the high level of the band in this regard.

Official press release:

"The illustration was done by the master Bruno Munayer, who masterfully represented the general idea of the song, recalling Portinari's paintings: dead children and migrants, who illustrated Graciliano Ramos's work *Vidas Secas* on several occasions.

The entire theme connects with various works by Brazilian artists, including Luiz Gonzaga…

May Asa Negra come soon!"

The song, part of the full album "Blindness," considered one of the best national extreme metal releases of 2024 by specialized media (Mariutti Team), has an official music video, and the artwork, created by me, was adapted for official band merchandise (screen printing) by Arise Camisetas.