South African graphic designer and illustrator Arminda da Silva has forged a distinctive artistic journey in which imperfection becomes beauty and discomfort turns into creative power. In an exclusive interview with Gorila Spain, she reflects on how personal experiences—particularly motherhood—have reshaped her perspective, encouraging her to adopt new tools and embrace experimentation more boldly.
Raised and based in Johannesburg, Da Silva developed a visual language that deliberately avoids technical perfection and excessive refinement. Instead, she focuses on authenticity, spontaneity, and emotional honesty. Her influences come from diverse and unconventional sources: folk art, outsider art, and children’s drawings.
These styles provide a sense of freshness, sincerity, and rawness that she aims to preserve in her own creations. For Da Silva, the imperfect and the unpolished hold a deeper emotional truth than rigid artistic standards ever could.
Motherhood became a turning point in her creative path. Faced with new responsibilities and less time for traditional artistic methods, she began exploring artificial intelligence tools like Midjourney. Rather than replacing her creativity, AI became a collaborative partner, allowing her to generate ideas quickly, explore unexpected visual directions, and maintain a sense of playful discovery. This blend of intuition and innovation has become central to her artistic process, helping her balance personal life and creative ambition.
Her work has transcended South African borders, reaching international audiences and exhibitions. A major milestone was her participation in PSYCHOPOMP!, a renowned exhibition at the Roger Ballen Centre, where her pieces were celebrated for their emotional intensity and their seamless combination of chaos and order. Da Silva’s approach demonstrates that art can flourish not only in structured spaces but also in moments of vulnerability and uncertainty.
Ultimately, her journey reveals a powerful truth: authentic creativity often thrives within imperfection. By embracing unpredictability, Da Silva transforms discomfort into inspiration, proving that true artistry emerges when one dares to accept the unknown.
Where are you from and how would you describe yourself and your art ?
I’m Arminda da Silva, a graphic designer and illustrator based in Johannesburg, South Africa. My work sits in that in-between space, it’s not about being perfect or polished. I like creating images that feel a little raw, a little off, but still beautiful in their own way.
What art movement, period or artist influenced your work ?
I’ve always been inspired by folk art, outsider art, and even kids’ drawings—anything that feels honest and unpolished. I like when something makes you pause and look twice.
How did you decide to integrate AI as a tool in your art ?
When I became a mom in 2022, my creative time was suddenly very limited. Discovering Midjourney gave me a way to keep making. It was fast, playful, and freeing. It became a space where I could create without pressure.
What are the challenges that you faced as a local artist vs. a global artist?
Locally, AI art is still new and not always understood, so getting recognition can be tricky. That’s why being chosen for PSYCHOPOMP! at the Roger Ballen Centre of Photography curated by Boris Eldagsen has been such an honour (on show till 19 October 2025). It shows there’s space here for experimental work. Globally, there’s more reach and opportunity, but it’s easy to get lost in the noise. The challenge is keeping your voice strong in both worlds.
If you hadn’t chosen art as your job, What other career path would you have taken?
Something visual or story-driven, for sure, maybe set design, visual effects or photography. Probably something where I still get to mess around with textures, weird visuals and storytelling.
What would you say that makes your art special?
I think it’s the way I lean into discomfort. I’m not afraid of things being a little unsettling, a little messy. That’s where I think the real beauty is.
If your art could talk, ¿What would it say about you?
It would probably say: “She’s curious about the shadows and not afraid to sit with them.”
Chaos or order?
Chaos, with just enough order to hold it together.
What would you consider more difficult, to begin a piece of art or decide it is finished?
Finishing, for sure. Starting is play. Deciding something is done, that’s the hard part.
What are the next steps in your career or a goal you would like to achieve?
Right now, I’m excited about showing my work in more physical spaces. Being part of PSYCHOPOMP! is such a big step, and I’d love to build on that. Whether it’s more group shows, collaborations, or eventually a solo exhibition. I’m also making my art more accessible through prints, which you can find on imaginethatprint.com and follow my IG page here.
