Born in São Paulo, Brazil in 1981, Rafael moved to the Bela Vista district in 1996, where he encountered Pichação, a type of graffiti art unique to São Paulo, and gradually developed a passion for it. His artist name, Sliks, is a reversed version of the English word Skils. This word, which refers to the ability to efficiently achieve a goal, is embodied in his artwork, along with Rafael's beliefs. His work is inspired by the sublimation found in Eastern spiritual practices, including calligraphy, martial arts, and yoga. Using a special nozzle called a fat cap, he intuitively paints on canvas through a series of repetitive movements. His large, dynamic strokes, while varying in intensity like calligraphy, maintain unity through a regular arrangement like a mantra. His cutting-edge expression has been highly acclaimed, and he has held numerous solo exhibitions both in Japan and abroad. He has also expanded his range of activities, including designing trams for SYTRAL Mobilités, the French transportation system that selects internationally renowned contemporary artists.