Francis

Francis Sling

IG: francissling

BIOGRAPHY

Discovering the vibrant Palette of Francis Sling's life journey

Born amidst the colorful landscapes of Curaçao in March 1978, Francis Victor Sling's artistic

spirit was ignited in a family that thrived on creativity. Growing up in a modest household with

three siblings, Francis was the second child, and his upbringing in an environment that lacked

material wealth became a catalyst for his resourcefulness. He learned the art of creative

problem-solving, inspired by his father's ingenuity in repairing objects using unconventional

pieces.

From the tender age of 7 until 12, Francis became a part of a brass band, discovering the joy of

playing various instruments and the enchantment of harmonious melodies. However, his thirst

for musical expression led him and his older brother, along with their cousins, to form a band

under the shade of a tree in their backyard. They rehearsed week after week, eager to perfect

their skills and unlock the harmonious potential within them. Recognizing their talent, a

supportive auntie stepped forward and became their manager, propelling them to perform at

various venues with their band named Suta Kueru. Francis's home evolved into a hub for

musicians, a vibrant meeting point where creativity and inspiration flowed freely.

Francis's journey towards self-discovery went beyond the realms of art and music. From an early

age, he sought to unravel the truth, seeking a deeper understanding of life's mysteries.

Influenced by his uncle who is a believer, Francis contemplated dedicating his life to Christ. As a

teenager, at the age of 17, he found solace in the church and embraced Christianity, deepening

his faith and engaging with the Bible as a pathway to connect with the divine.

Artistry coursed through Francis's veins since he was little and his love for painting blossomed

like a vibrant flower. His first mural, portrayed onto the bedroom walls shared with his siblings,

showcased tattoo-inspired figures, heralding the beginning of his creative exploration. In 1998,

a new chapter began as Francis started working at Gallery 86, initially as a volunteer. There, he

secretly unveiled his own artwork to the owner, yearning for a chance to exhibit his creative

expressions. Watercolors became his medium of choice during this time.

After high school, tired and feeling somewhat drifting, he embarked on a journey to the

Netherlands in 2000 driven by a quest to discover his true calling. Adrift in uncertainty, he

underwent a career aptitude test, exploring various possibilities within the creative industry.

The Art Academy and Graphic Design emerged as potential paths, with Francis choosing the

latter, setting the stage for his career.

In 2004, armed with a degree in Graphic Design, Francis pursued his dreams, even gaining

acceptance into the esteemed Rietveld Art Academy. However, the responsibilities of

fatherhood and the need to provide for his growing family compelled him to set aside his

academic pursuits after a mere three months. Graphic design became his professional anchor,

and as he married and embraced fatherhood with open arms, Francis's artistic journey

continued to evolve. Murals adorned his living spaces, his digital skills flourished, and he used

social media platforms, particularly Facebook, to promote his work and transition from a

graphic designer to a recognized artist.

Relocating from Amsterdam to Rijswijk in 2006, Francis intensified his focus on paintings,

blending photography and his artistic skills. He even delved into the realm of body painting,

transforming models into a living canvas, embracing the idea that everybody could become a

piece of art. A photo of his painted ceiling caught the attention of someone in China, leading

Francis to embark on a month-long artistic endeavor. In his creations, Francis explored

unconventional designs that often challenged conventional understanding. In 2012, his artistic

talents blossomed, as he proudly held his first solo exhibition in Rijswijk, aptly titled "Happy

Ending.”

Tragedy struck Francis's life when he lost one of his beloved sons, forever changing the

trajectory of his journey. Amidst the shadows of grief, profound revelations emerged, giving

birth to the concept of "MI NO SA" — representing a powerful invitation to embrace authentic

selfhood. The tragedy served as a catalyst, propelling Francis to embark on a soul-searching

quest, unearthing his purpose. Sketching became a refuge, a way to channel his emotions and

explore the depths of his being.

In 2020, after two decades in the Netherlands, Francis made a momentous decision to return to

his beloved Curaçao. The vibrant island that had shaped his artistic expression beckoned him

back, offering the inspiration and connection he had sought far and wide. Driven by intuition

and a profound sense of belonging, Francis found himself in an environment where his work

gained recognition. Invitations to paint in Curaçao poured in, drawing him back to the place he

called home, where he spent months at a time, gathering his paintings, sharing his artistic vision

through murals, and associating his creations with the rich tapestry of the island's flora and

fauna. This period marked a significant chapter in Francis's life, where his pursuit of truth

deepened, expanding his perception of God beyond the boundaries of a single faith. No longer

content with being solely a Christian, Francis embraced the notion of being a missionary of God,

engaging with the world through his artistry.

Today, Francis Victor Sling lives as a full-time artist, his multi talented spirit guiding his brush

strokes and his creative vision. His most recognized street art 3 O’clock Romance finished in

second place in the competition Street Art of the year 2020.

Recently one of the many tourist guides that frequently visit his gallery Maison Sling said

something he considers to be one of his biggest achievements so far. The tourist said, “Francis,

I’m happy when I come by and I see your gallery open, because every time I bring tourists here,

they always leave happy.”

‘The fact that I, being so small, from such a small island, with such small abilities can attract

people from the whole world and leave them with a smile in a world with so many

difficulties…is pure gold for me’.

Well, you can contact his manager for additional information *insert wink*.

Or just hit him up on his social media.