Dupla Dicotomia: Tomás & Appollo — Two Artists, One Vision of Resilience.

Today we’re sitting down with the emerging artists behind Dupla Dicotomia — the duo who brought bold emotion and striking contrast to our walls.

Who are the real people behind this exhibition, which opened on May at ARTHubMADEIRA, our creative space co-curated with Art Center Caravel?

Appollo and Tomás are more than just names on a poster. They’re two young artists who turned late-night conversations, sketchbooks full of doubts and dreams, and moments of uncertainty into something bigger — something honest, and worth sharing.

We decided to talk to them because Dupla Dicotomia is a brilliant example of how art creates resilience.Not in theory — in real life.

How did you meet, and how did the idea for the joint exhibition Dupla Dicotomia come about?

Since we’re university students who left the mainland to come to Madeira, our starting point was the university residence. Sharing the same environment, late-night conversations, and communal dinners, we gradually realized that we had a lot in common — especially art.

After many evenings of talking and sharing ideas, we identified a certain artistic duality and decided to explore that theme, which also reflects one of the many aspects of our friendship.

Why did you choose the theme of dichotomy? Is it a reflection of your inner state or a response to the world around you?

Dichotomy has always been present in our lives.

Appollo: “It’s the compass in my life” — the two energies, chaos and order, that guide and challenge me.

Tomás: When I realized I had the ability to leave a mark on paper, I also felt the opposite: a kind of self-sabotage, as if finishing something also meant I could leave it unfinished.

It’s really a mix of both — it reflects our personal experiences and inner states as much as it responds to the world around us.

How did your creative process change after moving to Madeira? What does this island offer you?

Appollo: Coming to Madeira awakened something in me and helped me decide to pursue art professionaly.

It was here in Madeira that I realized this hunger for art — and that creating must be my main focus.

Tomás: For me, Madeira gave me peace. I stopped feeling trapped in my musical context and continued my artistic journey, allowing different styles and languages to emerge.

My art became a process of trial and error — and a mirror of my life path.

This island is without a doubt an escape from the confusion and comfort of home. It radiates creative energy from every corner. Beyond nature, Madeira is culturally rich — and for us, that’s a huge source of fascination and inspiration.

What challenges have you faced as young artists, and how have they influenced your practice?

Without a doubt, the biggest challenge is the lack of professional opportunities.“Being an artist means going hungry.” It’s that feeling that you should give up this profession, this path, to pursue something safer — something that guarantees a stable life.

What does “resilience” mean to you? Were there moments when art helped you through personal crises?

Resilience means walking the path toward your goal, no matter the pressure or obstacles in the way.

Absolutely — art has helped us get through many storms in our lives. These works are a reflection of some of those moments.

What are your dreams and goals as young artists living and working in Portugal?

Appollo: I dream of being influential and financially successful. I want to be to my generation what The Factory was to Pop Art — and to become a successful international artist with exhibitions around the world.

Tomás: I used to believe my dream was to master the arts. But now I think my real goal is to free myself from the constant need to make art, and instead build a stable life as an artist through it.

What role do spaces like Art Center Caravel and ARTHubMADEIRA play in the lives of emerging artists?

Spaces like Art Center Caravel and ARTHubMADEIRA give us hope. They help us — as emerging artists — take our first steps into the vast world of the art market. These institutions are incredibly important. Without them, entering this world would be extremely difficult.

If you could give one piece of advice to other young creators just starting out, what would it be?

Nourish life in every aspect. Feed your being with what satisfies and stimulates you. Everything can become inspiration for artistic creation.

And above all — accept who you are, especially your potential.

Appollo and Tomás turned late-night talks, shared meals, and personal struggles into powerful visual stories. Through canvas, color, and conversation, they showed us how creativity can heal, connect, and inspire.

Their journey mirrors the spirit of our EmpowerCanvas project:Real tools. Real growth. Real support — starting now, not someday. We're so proud to have helped this moment happen — and can’t wait to see where their path leads next.