Maxwell Alexandre, an emerging artist from Brazil, has made a name for himself as one to watch after just a few years as a painter, having been a professional skateboarder until 2017, when he was introduced to contemporary art while studying design in Rio de Janerio.

Known for painting on unusual materials, including brown paper, doors and windows, instead of canvas, Maxwell’s work often references his upbringing in Rio’s biggest favela, Rocinha, where he still lives and works, telling stories of daily life while raising social, cultural and political issues surrounding the city. Recently named one of Deutsche Bank’s three Artists of the Year 2020, Maxwell has also featured on this year’s Artsy Vanguard list, celebrating the most promising contemporary artists of 2020, and is set to open his first UK solo exhibition at David Zwirner gallery next month.