Graffiti artist André Saraiva on his creative journey and collaboration with Vipp

Swedish-born art virtuoso André Saraiva sparked life to the Parisian graffiti movement in the early 1990s. The artist, with a notable portfolio ranging from street art to entrepreneurship, is now partnering up with Danish design giant Vipp in a radiant new collaboration.

“My different background gave me a very open mind, perspective and always made me like to be different from others. I take that as a quality.” André Saraiva, born in the well-established Swedish university city of Uppsala to Portuguese parents, moved to the vibrant City of Light, Paris, at the humble age of 10.

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Three years later, he entered the compelling, fast-evolving realm of Parisian street art. Although showcasing a strong talent for drawing and a distinct creative eye at an early age, the decision to concentrate on graffiti art was far from intentional. “It wasn’t something I really thought about. I just fell into it, just like you fall in love,” Saraiva recalls.

The Swedish-French creator became an underground hot topic thanks to Monsieur A, a concept originally founded as a creative alter ego, simply characterised as a verbal, forthright tag of Saraiva’s own name. To attract a new audience outside of the graffiti community, he decided to establish a visual profile for Mr A. With its round face, mischievous smile, and signature wink, visually shaped like an X, Mr A. rapidly became one with the public. “By doing a character I realised that you could speak to any person in the city; kids, adults, or strangers.”

Since the millennial shift, the art visionary has notably expanded his artistic portfolio, with quintessential pieces entering prestigious art galleries all over the world, as well as joining forces with the Parisian night scene. In 2004 Le Baron, an alluring, bohème clubbing spot, sees daylight with Saraiva at the helm. “Nightlife was a part of graffiti, I was out during the nights painting. Nightclubs were the only place I could find refuge after a hard night of painting. I always liked the people, the music, and the interaction.”

After re-discovering the flourishing nightlife of Paris as an entrepreneur, Saraiva set sights on the hotel industry in a new, inspirational path. "I think in a way, places are art and places are where art happens. At least where artists get inspired and share visions." Together with Hôtel Costes-hotelier Thierry Costes and restaurateur Emmanuel Delavenne, the kitschy Parisian go-to spot Hôtel Amour and later its grandiose sibling Grand Hôtel Amour, are brought to life in 2007 and 2016 respectively.

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In January 2022, Danish design powerhouse Vipp announced its collaboration with André Saraiva. The uplifting collection, fittingly named Amour, consists of a colourful kitchen and a creative take on their classic pedal bin. "When Vipp approached me, I was planning my new studio and atelier in Lisbon, remodelling an old factory," says Saraiva. "Their bins are favourite pieces in my kitchen, they are timeless and solid and all of my hotels already had them." Both pieces bathe in a vibrant pink base covered with the creator's signature artwork.

The Amour collection is available on vipp.com and in selected Vipp stores.