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I Create Ceramic Tile Illusions On Electrical Boxes And Buildings To Remind People Of Portuguese History
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I Create Ceramic Tile Illusions On Electrical Boxes And Buildings To Remind People Of Portuguese History

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Back in 2008 I had the chance to do a project in my hometown of Cascais,  a 650 years old village near Lisbon. I really wanted to do something that would define its history and that would also identify myself as a Portuguese.

At that time I was working as a freelance illustrator (as I am still today) so I thought I could use my weird illustration universe, forming a Portuguese tile pattern. Visually, the result turned out really good so I felt this was something I needed to explore.

I think that nowadays it’s important for us, as citizens of a fast pacing and technological advanced world, to think about what our traditions mean to us and how can they can be preserved. Growing up in Portugal I’ve seen these tile panels all my life, inside and outside the buildings.

Photos were taken by Add Fuel, Rui Gaiola and Lara Seixo Rodrigues.

More info: addfuel.com | Facebook | Instagram

My latest intervention was in Largo de S. Paulo in Lisbon (invited by Mistaker Maker), where I partially transformed an electricity box.

One thing, which is also very important for me, is to contextualize my interventions. Thus, I usually re-draw patterns from the surrounding location.

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The purpose of this intervention is really simple. By catching the attention of passersby, it make them think about what lies beneath the beauty of our cities, which is usually something that has always been there – our culture.

I used my work to create “layers of history” – surfaces underneath or on the top (as I did in Cascais in 2014) of the existing structure or wall.

It looks traditional from afar, but when you take a closer look, you can discover all the contemporary and pop elements.

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Stencil mural, Muraliza, Cascais, Portugal. 2014

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For some years now I’ve been working as an artist on stencil paintings, murals and ceramics, based on tiles and patterns (mainly azulejos – Portuguese tiles).

Djerbahood Project, Erriadh, Tunisia. 2014

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Djerbahood Project, Erriadh, Tunisia. 2014

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Affy avatar
Affy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your artwork is incredible! Wish you come to India and do this here ♥ ♥ ♥ would love to see all these lovely patterns :)

sunyinstructor avatar
anakuusstendahl
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aside from it's obvious beauty - you've completely repackaged and redefined this pattern art form. Thank you!

bolanski avatar
CarlaAbela
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

a beautiful art project that should be replicated especially in slums area to give joy and meaning to those who live in poverty!

Affy avatar
Affy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your artwork is incredible! Wish you come to India and do this here ♥ ♥ ♥ would love to see all these lovely patterns :)

sunyinstructor avatar
anakuusstendahl
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aside from it's obvious beauty - you've completely repackaged and redefined this pattern art form. Thank you!

bolanski avatar
CarlaAbela
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

a beautiful art project that should be replicated especially in slums area to give joy and meaning to those who live in poverty!

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