#85: Hugo E Silva
We're joined by multidisciplinary artist & stylist, Hugo E Silva, who tells us more about Githan Coopoo's ceramics, Aftersun (2022), Superella’s, and much more!
Hugo E Silva is a multidisciplinary artist, stylist, and creative based in Johannesburg/Cape Town. With a background in Fine Art and experience working across fashion, production design, and visual storytelling, he thrives at the intersection of conceptual thinking and bold aesthetics. Their work often draws inspiration from themes of phenomenology, love, and memory. Whether Hugo’s styling or assisting for editorial shoots, creating visual campaigns, or carving a lino, he is driven by a passion for authentic expression and pushing creative boundaries.
We welcome Hugo to The FRM Newsletter to share what he’s been into recently!
👠🧥 Fashion
Superella’s subversion of everyday basics, Jacquemus’ unapologetic sensuality wrapped in sun-drenched surrealism, and Marc Jacobs’ rebellious take on high fashion consistently stay on my mood board. They embody the energy of controlled chaos that feels both personal and bold.
🎧 Music
Blood Orange and Little Simz are two artists I gravitate towards. Their music feels like a conversation. There’s an honesty to their music that feels refreshing. Recently, I've been obsessed with 'Insimbi' by Deep Narratives. It’s a gqom track that reminds nights out in Joburg.
🎬🍿 Films
My current favourite films are Arrival and Aftersun, as they both explore emotion in ways that feel unforced. Arrival comments on communication and time, while Aftersun captures the complexity of memory and family.
📚 Literature
A novel I’ve recently been thinking of again is Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The novel was recommended to me by a good friend of mine, Tumelo Mtimkhulu, during our undergraduate together at UJ. It is a raw portrayal of the human experience exploring the impact of war on personal lives and history.
🎨 Art
My favourite contemporary visual artist at the moment is Githan Coopoo, whose work weaves love and identity into narratives that linger in both thought and emotion. His ceramics are vessels, embodying intimacy and struggle in a way that resonates with me.