Wark

Marcos Rodrigo, known as Wark da Rocinha, was born in 1985 and grew up in the Rocinha favela, Rio de Janeiro's largest. Self-taught, he created the "Ball Man" character in 2000 — a colourful stick-figure angel that would become his signature. He began his artistic activities in 2002, inspired by urban art and cartoons, before studying at the prestigious Escola de Artes Visuais (EAV) at Parque Lage in Rio, where he refined his technique.

His expressive, colourful murals feature mischievous characters drawn in simple lines, found on virtually every street in Rocinha and across Rio's south side. His work drew attention from prominent Brazilians, including former president Lula da Silva. Rather than pursuing the international museum circuit, he chooses to keep graffiti at the grassroots level, where change begins and art is most effective.

In 2011, he founded Instituto Wark, an organisation dedicated to the cultural development of Rocinha's youth through artistic and educational training. His work is documented by the South American Street Art Fund, RioOnWatch and Going Global 365, and he regularly exhibits in Rio while leaving his mark across several countries.