Beyond Borders: When Brazilian and Portuguese Art Unite in Vibrant Lisbon
Brazilians Make Their Mark in Portugal’s Visual Arts Scene
Brazilians have made significant contributions to the visual arts in Portugal, both as artists and gallery owners. Bebel Soares, co-owner of Brisa Galeria in Chiado, Lisbon, notes that Brazilians have found their place in the market, with many galleries showcasing their work.
Brisa Galeria, run by Bebel and her husband Daniel Matar, is one such gallery. The couple, who have three children, moved to Lisbon to pursue their dream of showcasing Brazilian creativity. Their gallery has been running for seven years, with a focus on both artistic and commercial aspects.
Daniel Matar, a photographer, painter, and sculptor, defines his participation in the exhibition as a result of his intense production from his artistic family. His father, Marcio Matar, is a jewelry designer and sculptor, while his mother, Eliane Matar, is a visual artist.
The gallery’s project started as an artist gallery, exhibiting only Daniel’s work for a year. In the second year, they invited other artists to participate in Daniel’s work. Bebel emphasizes that they work with art, but the commercial aspect is important, as they live with art.
Art Incubator
Rui Lagartinho, a Portuguese specialist, curates exhibitions with Brazilian artists at the Arte Graça gallery in the São Vicente Diocese Council. He notes that the space acts as “an incubator that expands to other galleries, including commercial ones, and a gateway for artists who choose to come to Lisbon.”
Artist Cocco Barçante presents a range of Brazilian crafts made from discarded materials at Arte Graça gallery.
Carlos Vasconcelos
Barcante’s exhibition in Portugal is the result of a long-standing desire to “unite the hills of the Santa Teresa district of Rio de Janeiro with the hill of Graça in Lisbon”. The exhibition contrasts the importance of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Salazar dictatorship in Portugal with Brazil’s environmental problems.
Artistic Drums
Ernesto Neto, a 61-year-old visual artist from Rio, has opened a performance exhibition in the Oval Gallery of the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) in Belem. Our Drum Boat Earth invites the public to immerse themselves in an interactive world through percussion, musical performance, and reflective sound.
The work of Brazilian Ernesto Neto is on display at the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) until October 7.
Carlos Vasconcelos
Visitors are struck by a giant sculpture made of brightly colored, spider-web-like cotton fabric representing nature, which takes up almost the entire space of the museum hall. Software was used to design the shape to fit the space, and a large frame was installed.
Anyone can use the instrument to the rhythm of their musical preference. The artist focuses on African and Asian programs and the drums available. According to Jacopo Crivelli Visconti, the event curator, the exhibition has several elements. Our Drum Boat Earth Dance.