Calmer Now; Wings Soar, Stems Grow
2023

Installation / ceramic / performance / concert
GAAT Gallery
Lisbonne, Portugal

Hold
Clay from plaster moulds (replicas of body parts of the artists)
An array of endemic Sintra plants, soil, water. Variable dimensions.

Blessing
Canvas, silk fabric, chicken foot, needle, thread.
40x50 (frame) / variable dimensions.

Untitled Objects
Percebes shells, hemp fibre, sardine spine, wild oregano, squash, vines, wax candle, broken glass, ceramic jar with water,
“If I were a Fish” poem by Felipe Vasquez on paper.
Variable dimensions.

I invited Lisbon-based artist, Zarya Austin-Fell, to collaborate on this interdisciplinary exhibition that merged our practice in installation, performance, painting, image and music.

I was interested in working with someone local to realize the project in a “residency-like” approach. Inspired by the culture and landscape of Lisbon and its dramatic natural surroundings, Zarya and I directed our vision towards the presence of birds, the wind, the ocean, the soil and forests. As well as the magical melancholic atmosphere that lingers over the region.

We spent a week in the village of Almoçageme (where Zarya resided.) There, we created plaster casts of our bodies to mould pots of clay. We then foraged plants from the forests and coastline and placed them inside. We collected shells from the percebes we ate, as well as vegetables, herbs, bones and other objects we encountered along the way.

We manipulated these elements as much as we surrendered to them. Thus reflecting on the conditions of the natural environment and its evident fragility. The end product was brought into the GAAT gallery — transforming its peculiar space into a home-like environment — a physical diary of our experience together in the magnificent biodiversity of Sintra.

On July 14th, we invited the public to a concert that actived the space and the artwork. The exhibition continued for two weeks, showcasing the traces of energy that were gathered that day. While also emphasising on the passage of time.

Photo credit: Gaat Museum and Pedro Covas ©.