Refugee artist goes viral with realistic drawings in SC

From world famous people, like Albert Einstein, to characters from series. From pets loved by their owners to faithful portraits of everyday people. Miguel Nour’s job is to draw, on the spot, realistic portraits that catch the attention of anyone passing through one of the busiest spots in Balneário Camboriú, on the North Coast.

Amid the glamor of high-end buildings and the movement of people passing through Avenida Brasil, in the city center, Miguel works at night. A video of him in action went viral on social media and made the artist’s work better known.

Miguel’s art caught attention on the streets of Balneário Camboriú – Video: Instagram/@bcm1lgr4u

Refugee in Brazil

Miguel, who is a refugee from Syria, says he arrived in Brazil alone and, since then, has tried to make a living from art. “This is my second attempt to make a living from my art since I arrived in Brazil. In three years I have been to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul and now Santa Catarina”, he told Portal ND Mais.

Artist has been drawing since he was little – Photo: FRAME/ Instagram Reproduction

“I’ve been drawing since I was a child, I learned techniques online and through practice. I work almost every day, when it doesn’t rain, from 7pm to 11:30pm”, he adds.

Miguel’s drawings are realistic. He has paintings ready for sale, but he also works with portraits made on the spot based on images brought in by clients. Each work of art sells for R$150 on average.