Tomas Gittins Takes Us Behind His Debut Solo Exhibition, ‘Pursuit of Joy’

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In Manchester, Tomas Gittins sees art creation as something that balances instinct and purpose equally. Gittins is merely one of a wave of emerging UK artists who are making a mark – these creators favor a less polished, more authentic interaction with the world, frequently venturing beyond conventional gallery settings and into real-life cultural hotspots instead.

2025 has seen the Brazilian-English artist, just six months in, achieve remarkable success, securing various fashion and art projects. Now, the rising star from Toxic Arts is preparing to reunite with the gallery for his first solo exhibition titled “Pursuit of Joy“. Located in the bustling SoHo district, Gittins will make his London debut with a new collection of his iconic face paintings. All pieces have already been sold out days before the opening.

Along with the artworks displayed, “Pursuit of Joy” is his debut venture into footwear design. In partnership with Salomon Sportstyle, he’s adding a sketchbook feel to the iconic XT-6 models. The side panels feature two contrasting characters in monochrome, and stars that gracefully touch the heels. On June 6, this unique, custom pair will be presented to a lucky visitor. Furthermore, a distinctive Gore-Tex jacket will make its appearance, and there’ll be three limited-edition t-shirts given away to the first 100 visitors.

Instead of seeing his paintings as a final state, Gittins perceives them as snapshots of transient emotions. He stated that every character he creates mirrors feelings within him. When he steps away from a canvas, he knows a work is completed when it seems to gaze back at him. “I create art to find completeness within myself,” he shared with Hypeart. As we venture into this new phase and journey towards happiness, the artist invites us on this exciting ride. Before the opening, Gittins guides us through pre-show feelings, the continually changing UK creative scene, and what it’s like to be an emerging artist. The exhibition will be displayed in London on June 6.

 

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As my paintings progress, they resemble people growing and developing – we’re all gradually shaping ourselves into the ultimate version we aspire to become.

As a gamer, I’d say: “Hey there! Ever wondered about the story behind my motto ‘The Joy Must Grow’ and its connection to my debut solo, ‘Pursuit of Joy’? Well, let me tell you about it.

‘The Joy Must Grow’ was born from my personal journey in gaming and life. I found that true fulfillment doesn’t come from just winning, but from the joy that grows throughout the experience. That joy is what keeps us going, pushing forward, always seeking more.

This philosophy became the foundation for ‘Pursuit of Joy’. It’s not about reaching a destination where joy is found, but about the journey itself – the constant pursuit of that growing joy. So, in essence, ‘Pursuit of Joy’ is a testament to the idea that the joy we find should never plateau, but should always be nurtured and grown.

Initially, I created artworks on paper priced at £30 each. This experience propelled me towards creating larger art pieces, which in turn increased both the scale and my enthusiasm for my craft. The title “The Joy Must Grow” represents my desire to share this joy with a broader audience, thereby nurturing my own happiness through this philosophy. This exhibition serves as a significant milestone for me, symbolizing my declaration: ‘This is who I am.’ I take immense pleasure in my work and the opportunity to share it; that’s my quest for joy, and its growth will continue.

Have you designed footwear before, or is this a new experience for you? I’m curious to know how this partnership with Salomon originated. Were there any unexpected challenges or discoveries during the process?

I’m quite passionate about running and I’m particularly fond of Salomon brand. Recently, my friend purchased their shoes, and I saved the box to create a sketch. I sent a photo of the artwork to someone from Salomon, and surprisingly, they offered me a pair of shoes! This has led to a wonderful friendship and collaboration that’s helped me reach this point. I’m still in awe about it all.

At first, I sketched a design by hand, but wasn’t sure how to transfer it onto the shoe. So, I sought assistance from a sneaker expert. The results were fantastic, and I’m thrilled with them. It’s like a personal vision – when you close your eyes, you can almost see the image of what you desire: something that truly reflects my individuality.

Could you explain the details of your XT-6 design, including why you chose to enhance certain aspects instead of completely revamping it?

I aimed to create a situation where my characters would face each other when you’re standing, and I wanted to incorporate my personal touch subtly without making it overly flashy. I was looking for something bold and distinctive, yet harmonious with the overall design. That’s how the faces were designed, and I simply adore the star – it’s so adorable placed at the back.

Last time we chatted, you shared that your artistic approach was influenced by the seclusion of life in Cape Town. Now that you’re back in England, I’m curious about how your creative process, or your emotional bond with it, has changed or developed since then?

Ever since I returned, I’ve been focusing on crafting an identity for my art that resonates with others. I aim for viewers to instantly recognize my work and connect with its emotions. My paintings are not merely a single layer; I often stack up to seven faces, each one peeking through the others. If you’re fortunate enough to view my artwork in person, you’ll see the layers of faces that came before, and it’s as if my paintings grow and evolve like people – we’re all gradually becoming the final versions of ourselves that we aspire to be.








What keeps me motivated is just making my drawings grow. I’ve got to wake up and feel the fire and just see where my future takes me.

From my own experiences immersed in the UK’s artistic world, I’ve observed some changes as a budding artist. Also, I would like to discuss the differences between the London and Manchester art scenes.

The focus is on stepping out, building relationships, and engaging in tasks that reflect your authentic self. At present, it’s primarily about shaping a brand, which I find fulfilling because working with Salomon resonates deeply with who I am. This project propels me towards diverse aspects of the industry, aiding me in navigating the scene more effectively. Furthermore, it involves exploring various facets of the UK scene, as our size makes everything relatively accessible if one is open to discovery.

In Manchester, our involvement in the arts is relatively recent, but we’re making steady progress. Our gallery presence is expanding, and it’s turning out quite well. There’s a strong drive to support emerging artists from Manchester due to the evident potential they possess. As more people recognize the pathway to success through art, this momentum is expected to continue.

How would you describe the collaboration between you and Toxic Arts? They stand out by offering artists a great deal of independence and trust to present their work honestly.

Refreshingly, Toxic Arts allows me to immerse myself in painting without limiting me or hindering my growth. Unlike traditional galleries, they don’t have a physical space, but whenever they host an exhibition, it feels like stepping into their creative realm. They empower me with faith in my vision, making it feel less like work and more like collaborating with friends who are genuinely invested in helping me reach my artistic potential.

What do you expect the viewers to take away from your performance?

I’d be thrilled if they could feel a personal bond with my creation, particularly with something as familiar as human faces. Many have commented on the nostalgic vibe of my work. If it stirs an emotion or triggers a memory, I consider that success. All I desire is for people to recognize the character in each piece and perceive more than just a two-dimensional image.

As an art enthusiast, I find myself continually captivated by this creative journey I’m on. It’s the spark that lights up my mornings and fuels my eagerness to embark on each new day. My motivation stems from nurturing the growth of my artistic endeavors, watching them evolve and unfold. I wake up every day with a burning passion, eager to see where this path takes me next.

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2025-06-06 16:56