Jean Betancourt, aka Mr. Garek, was born in Venezuela and graduated from the Instituto de Diseño de Caracas in 2013. As an urban artist, he has participated in international festivals in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and his native Venezuela and of course here in Curaçao, where we consider him one of our own. His epic-scale stoic portraits combine realism with a graphic-novel edge, often layered with fantasy elements and social commentary.


Mr. Garek never shies away from using a wide range of brilliant colors in his murals. In many cities, his works rise straight up from the ground, telling stories on such a massive scale that it feels like he must defy gravity just to paint them. You’re often left wondering how he keeps perspective while working at such heights. Take a look at his Instagram to see the challenges he’s conquered - and remember to tag him in your photos when you encounter his work. He’ll appreciate it.


Instagram: @mr.garek
Photography: @tjscottpictures