Muralist and graphic artist, Peru Dyer Jalea (aka Peru 143) considers himself a proponent of the Graffuturism movement — a term coined by artist and art commentator Poesia in an attempt to define an aesthetic and a common string that some of the graffiti artists, painters, and photographers share.
Jalea’s style is marked by a puzzle-like use of simple geometric shapes, clean lines scaled up to fit any space, and the use of primary colors evocative of the simplicity of childhood. Reworking simple and bright graphic elements into complex patterns and meditative murals, his art is meant to evoke a feeling of uplifting wonder.
Ultimately, Jalea writes on his website, his purpose is to encourage social change in the form of consciousness-shifting works of art – to create works that communicate the necessity of evolving and rising above our differences by understanding the interconnectedness of all living things.
Born in Peru and currently based in Toronto, where he shares a home with his wife and kids, Jalea admits to being an avid traveler. It was actually during his travels that he formulated his approach to both his life and his art. “We are all interconnected and even though we’ve created borders and hierarchies in the world we are still one people, a race of explorers in the constant pursuit of perfection,” he stated in an interview with Talenthouse. “We have to learn to better help each other.”
With more than 20 years of painting murals and clients that include Facebook, Nike, Cirque du Soleil, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, his words are well worth taking note of.
