ADD FUEL is the work of Portuguese artist Diogo Machado.
LINZ VISION
2024-09-23
Linz, Austria, 2024.
This multi tile panel installation is a visual metaphor for the essence of Linz as a connected community. Each pattern, each module, is more than a decorative element—it is a symbolic fragment, woven into a larger mosaic that mirrors the city’s identity. From the interior spaces to the external environment, the tiles represent both the tangible and intangible connections that bind Linz together. The composition captures the artist’s interpretation of Linz, yet invites the city’s residents to see their own stories reflected within it, fostering a collective vision of shared experience and identity.
Thank you to Paolo and the team at Promenaden Galerien for the dynamism, trust and enthusiasm.
This multi tile panel installation is a visual metaphor for the essence of Linz as a connected community. Each pattern, each module, is more than a decorative element—it is a symbolic fragment, woven into a larger mosaic that mirrors the city’s identity. From the interior spaces to the external environment, the tiles represent both the tangible and intangible connections that bind Linz together. The composition captures the artist’s interpretation of Linz, yet invites the city’s residents to see their own stories reflected within it, fostering a collective vision of shared experience and identity.
Thank you to Paolo and the team at Promenaden Galerien for the dynamism, trust and enthusiasm.
Photo © ADD FUEL Studio
CRADLE
2023-06-15
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
, 2023
This unique tile panel is a celebration of the people, places, and events that have shaped Philadelphia into the vibrant and dynamic city it is today. It is a testament to the enduring power of art as a vehicle that connects us to our shared history, and inspires us to imagine a brighter and more inclusive future.
The artwork's main palette of blue, red, and brown, highly inspired by the city’s own Mercer tiles evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity that is instantly recognisable to anyone familiar with Philadelphia.
In the midst of this tapestry of color and texture, a simplified skyline emerges, connecting the artwork to Philadelphia's bustling urban environment. The skyline is a nod to the city's rich architectural heritage, as well as a reminder of the many challenges and opportunities that arise in a densely populated urban area.
‘CRADLE’ is a tribute to Philadelphia's storied history as a city of many firsts. From the founding of the United States to the emergence of countless cultural and artistic movements, Philadelphia has always been a place of innovation, creativity, and growth as it captures this spirit of possibility and discovery, inviting viewers to explore the many dimensions of Philadelphia's cultural identity through this intricately crafted tile panel.
This unique tile panel is a celebration of the people, places, and events that have shaped Philadelphia into the vibrant and dynamic city it is today. It is a testament to the enduring power of art as a vehicle that connects us to our shared history, and inspires us to imagine a brighter and more inclusive future.
The artwork's main palette of blue, red, and brown, highly inspired by the city’s own Mercer tiles evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity that is instantly recognisable to anyone familiar with Philadelphia.
In the midst of this tapestry of color and texture, a simplified skyline emerges, connecting the artwork to Philadelphia's bustling urban environment. The skyline is a nod to the city's rich architectural heritage, as well as a reminder of the many challenges and opportunities that arise in a densely populated urban area.
‘CRADLE’ is a tribute to Philadelphia's storied history as a city of many firsts. From the founding of the United States to the emergence of countless cultural and artistic movements, Philadelphia has always been a place of innovation, creativity, and growth as it captures this spirit of possibility and discovery, inviting viewers to explore the many dimensions of Philadelphia's cultural identity through this intricately crafted tile panel.
Photo © Miguel Portelinha
ADJUST THE SAILS
2023-05-18
West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, 2022
The soft color palette present in this unique and immersive tile installation emulates the hues found in the natural environment, fauna and flora of West Palm Beach, creating a visual symphony that resonates with the viewer's senses as the artwork transitions from a dense pattern area to a section of pure white. This gradual fade acts as a transformative portal, beckoning visitors to enter a realm of serenity and inspiration. Just as a ship adjusts its sails to navigate new horizons, this artwork encourages individuals to adapt, grow, and embark on their own personal journeys towards fulfilment and growth.
A special thank you to Greg and his amazing team from Flamingo Park Market for hosting us in West Palm Beach.
Architectural management / Samuel Leite
The soft color palette present in this unique and immersive tile installation emulates the hues found in the natural environment, fauna and flora of West Palm Beach, creating a visual symphony that resonates with the viewer's senses as the artwork transitions from a dense pattern area to a section of pure white. This gradual fade acts as a transformative portal, beckoning visitors to enter a realm of serenity and inspiration. Just as a ship adjusts its sails to navigate new horizons, this artwork encourages individuals to adapt, grow, and embark on their own personal journeys towards fulfilment and growth.
A special thank you to Greg and his amazing team from Flamingo Park Market for hosting us in West Palm Beach.
Architectural management / Samuel Leite
Photo © ExpandingRoots
ADJUST THE SAILS
2023-05-17
West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, 2022
The soft color palette present in this unique and immersive tile installation emulates the hues found in the natural environment, fauna and flora of West Palm Beach, creating a visual symphony that resonates with the viewer's senses as the artwork transitions from a dense pattern area to a section of pure white. This gradual fade acts as a transformative portal, beckoning visitors to enter a realm of serenity and inspiration. Just as a ship adjusts its sails to navigate new horizons, this artwork encourages individuals to adapt, grow, and embark on their own personal journeys towards fulfilment and growth.
A special thank you to Greg and his amazing team from Flamingo Park Market for hosting us in West Palm Beach.
Architectural management / Samuel Leite
The soft color palette present in this unique and immersive tile installation emulates the hues found in the natural environment, fauna and flora of West Palm Beach, creating a visual symphony that resonates with the viewer's senses as the artwork transitions from a dense pattern area to a section of pure white. This gradual fade acts as a transformative portal, beckoning visitors to enter a realm of serenity and inspiration. Just as a ship adjusts its sails to navigate new horizons, this artwork encourages individuals to adapt, grow, and embark on their own personal journeys towards fulfilment and growth.
A special thank you to Greg and his amazing team from Flamingo Park Market for hosting us in West Palm Beach.
Architectural management / Samuel Leite
Photo © ExpandingRoots
PATCH: WORKED (LUSTER)
2023-04-24
Lisboa, Portugal, 2022
Add Fuel in collaboration with Viúva Lamego for Luster Hotel with Saraiva e Associados.
An immersive installation specially commissioned for Luster Hotel. Highly distinct in its composition and chromatic, this captivating tile installation is the result of a challenge: to use tiles from Viúva Lamego’s stock catalogue and art nouveaux chromatic, alongside with Add Fuel’s signature relief tiles. As a result, a dynamic patchwork of remembrance, with a dash of pixelated gradients and for added movement, combining the simple and highly decorative flatness with the enchanting appeal of volumes on tiles, welcoming all visitors to Luster Hotel.
Add Fuel in collaboration with Viúva Lamego for Luster Hotel with Saraiva e Associados.
An immersive installation specially commissioned for Luster Hotel. Highly distinct in its composition and chromatic, this captivating tile installation is the result of a challenge: to use tiles from Viúva Lamego’s stock catalogue and art nouveaux chromatic, alongside with Add Fuel’s signature relief tiles. As a result, a dynamic patchwork of remembrance, with a dash of pixelated gradients and for added movement, combining the simple and highly decorative flatness with the enchanting appeal of volumes on tiles, welcoming all visitors to Luster Hotel.
Photo © Miguel Portelinha
PATCH: WORKED (LUSTER)
2023-04-23
Lisboa, Portugal, 2022
Add Fuel in collaboration with Viúva Lamego for Luster Hotel with Saraiva e Associados.
An immersive installation specially commissioned for Luster Hotel. Highly distinct in its composition and chromatic, this captivating tile installation is the result of a challenge: to use tiles from Viúva Lamego’s stock catalogue and art nouveaux chromatic, alongside with Add Fuel’s signature relief tiles. As a result, a dynamic patchwork of remembrance, with a dash of pixelated gradients and for added movement, combining the simple and highly decorative flatness with the enchanting appeal of volumes on tiles, welcoming all visitors to Luster Hotel.
Add Fuel in collaboration with Viúva Lamego for Luster Hotel with Saraiva e Associados.
An immersive installation specially commissioned for Luster Hotel. Highly distinct in its composition and chromatic, this captivating tile installation is the result of a challenge: to use tiles from Viúva Lamego’s stock catalogue and art nouveaux chromatic, alongside with Add Fuel’s signature relief tiles. As a result, a dynamic patchwork of remembrance, with a dash of pixelated gradients and for added movement, combining the simple and highly decorative flatness with the enchanting appeal of volumes on tiles, welcoming all visitors to Luster Hotel.
Photo © Miguel Portelinha
UNTITLED
2022-09-09
ADD FUEL & L'ATLAS
Bordeaux, France, 2022
Saison France Portugal, (No) Borders project by Underdogs Gallery.
This ceramic tile public art intervention combines the calligraphic signature of L’Atlas with the geometric tile-inspired language present in the aesthetic of Add Fuel’s work. By deconstructing the French artist’s signature in layers and substituting the grey that usually assumes primacy in his work for blue and white – colours continuously used by Add Fuel – the artists achieved a balanced and symbiotic coming together of their individual aesthetics.
Mirroring a profound preoccupation with achieving a perceptible chromatic harmony, the conceptual equilibrium of this piece results in a dialogue of two distinct visual forms in a single artwork, which has now become an integral part of the space it occupies.
Bordeaux, France, 2022
Saison France Portugal, (No) Borders project by Underdogs Gallery.
This ceramic tile public art intervention combines the calligraphic signature of L’Atlas with the geometric tile-inspired language present in the aesthetic of Add Fuel’s work. By deconstructing the French artist’s signature in layers and substituting the grey that usually assumes primacy in his work for blue and white – colours continuously used by Add Fuel – the artists achieved a balanced and symbiotic coming together of their individual aesthetics.
Mirroring a profound preoccupation with achieving a perceptible chromatic harmony, the conceptual equilibrium of this piece results in a dialogue of two distinct visual forms in a single artwork, which has now become an integral part of the space it occupies.
Photo © Ana Pierce
UNTITLED
2022-09-08
ADD FUEL & L'ATLAS
Bordeaux, France, 2022
Saison France Portugal, (No) Borders project by Underdogs Gallery.
This ceramic tile public art intervention combines the calligraphic signature of L’Atlas with the geometric tile-inspired language present in the aesthetic of Add Fuel’s work. By deconstructing the French artist’s signature in layers and substituting the grey that usually assumes primacy in his work for blue and white – colours continuously used by Add Fuel – the artists achieved a balanced and symbiotic coming together of their individual aesthetics.
Mirroring a profound preoccupation with achieving a perceptible chromatic harmony, the conceptual equilibrium of this piece results in a dialogue of two distinct visual forms in a single artwork, which has now become an integral part of the space it occupies.
Bordeaux, France, 2022
Saison France Portugal, (No) Borders project by Underdogs Gallery.
This ceramic tile public art intervention combines the calligraphic signature of L’Atlas with the geometric tile-inspired language present in the aesthetic of Add Fuel’s work. By deconstructing the French artist’s signature in layers and substituting the grey that usually assumes primacy in his work for blue and white – colours continuously used by Add Fuel – the artists achieved a balanced and symbiotic coming together of their individual aesthetics.
Mirroring a profound preoccupation with achieving a perceptible chromatic harmony, the conceptual equilibrium of this piece results in a dialogue of two distinct visual forms in a single artwork, which has now become an integral part of the space it occupies.
Photo © Ana Pierce
OCEAN LENS
2022-07-06
Algarve, Portugal
Private commission
A symbiotic integration between art, architecture and earth. This immersive installation acts as a pathway from the home into the calm and endlessness of nature in this beautiful Algarve villa. Centered upon one's own architectural point of view, resides the beauty in which we see. 'OCEAN LENS' is represented in its simplicity with the presence and ease of off-white tones and relief, to enhance its surroundings, and connect the human point of view to the power of nature - what we choose to view in our intimate home.
Private commission
A symbiotic integration between art, architecture and earth. This immersive installation acts as a pathway from the home into the calm and endlessness of nature in this beautiful Algarve villa. Centered upon one's own architectural point of view, resides the beauty in which we see. 'OCEAN LENS' is represented in its simplicity with the presence and ease of off-white tones and relief, to enhance its surroundings, and connect the human point of view to the power of nature - what we choose to view in our intimate home.
Tile production / Viúva Lamego
Architecture / João Coutinho
Photo © Bárbara Monteiro
OCEAN LENS
2022-07-05
Algarve, Portugal
Private commission
A symbiotic integration between art, architecture and earth. This immersive installation acts as a pathway from the home into the calm and endlessness of nature in this beautiful Algarve villa. Centered upon one's own architectural point of view, resides the beauty in which we see. 'OCEAN LENS' is represented in its simplicity with the presence and ease of off-white tones and relief, to enhance its surroundings, and connect the human point of view to the power of nature - what we choose to view in our intimate home.
Private commission
A symbiotic integration between art, architecture and earth. This immersive installation acts as a pathway from the home into the calm and endlessness of nature in this beautiful Algarve villa. Centered upon one's own architectural point of view, resides the beauty in which we see. 'OCEAN LENS' is represented in its simplicity with the presence and ease of off-white tones and relief, to enhance its surroundings, and connect the human point of view to the power of nature - what we choose to view in our intimate home.
Tile production / Viúva Lamego
Architecture / João Coutinho
Photo © Bárbara Monteiro
KHALTA LIL’ABED / خلط للأبد
2022-07-04
Djerba, Tunisia, 2022
Djerbahood
My friend Mehdi Ben Cheikh (and the amazing team at Galerie Itinerrance) reached out and together we created the multi surface tile installation ’KHALTA LIL’ABED’ (meaning Mixture For Eternity). With its formal wavy composition based on the surrounding Mediterranean sea and its chromatic in white and blue architectural elements from Erriadh, the aesthetic inspiration goes deeper into the Portuguese technique of patchwork, the (not so random) mixture of patterns. Combined with the everlasting presence of glazed ceramics with motifs based on the beautiful and meaningful Tunisian history, embraces the chromatic and ceramic heritage.
Djerbahood
My friend Mehdi Ben Cheikh (and the amazing team at Galerie Itinerrance) reached out and together we created the multi surface tile installation ’KHALTA LIL’ABED’ (meaning Mixture For Eternity). With its formal wavy composition based on the surrounding Mediterranean sea and its chromatic in white and blue architectural elements from Erriadh, the aesthetic inspiration goes deeper into the Portuguese technique of patchwork, the (not so random) mixture of patterns. Combined with the everlasting presence of glazed ceramics with motifs based on the beautiful and meaningful Tunisian history, embraces the chromatic and ceramic heritage.
Project coordination / Galerie Itinerrance
Tile production / Doremail
Photo © Lionel Belluteau
KHALTA LIL’ABED / خلط للأبد
2022-07-03
Djerba, Tunisia, 2022
Djerbahood
My friend Mehdi Ben Cheikh (and the amazing team at Galerie Itinerrance) reached out and together we created the multi surface tile installation ’KHALTA LIL’ABED’ (meaning Mixture For Eternity). With its formal wavy composition based on the surrounding Mediterranean sea and its chromatic in white and blue architectural elements from Erriadh, the aesthetic inspiration goes deeper into the Portuguese technique of patchwork, the (not so random) mixture of patterns. Combined with the everlasting presence of glazed ceramics with motifs based on the beautiful and meaningful Tunisian history, embraces the chromatic and ceramic heritage.
Djerbahood
My friend Mehdi Ben Cheikh (and the amazing team at Galerie Itinerrance) reached out and together we created the multi surface tile installation ’KHALTA LIL’ABED’ (meaning Mixture For Eternity). With its formal wavy composition based on the surrounding Mediterranean sea and its chromatic in white and blue architectural elements from Erriadh, the aesthetic inspiration goes deeper into the Portuguese technique of patchwork, the (not so random) mixture of patterns. Combined with the everlasting presence of glazed ceramics with motifs based on the beautiful and meaningful Tunisian history, embraces the chromatic and ceramic heritage.
Project coordination / Galerie Itinerrance
Tile production / Doremail
Photo © Lionel Belluteau
FRAG'MEMENTO, 2021
2021-12-15
Alentejo, Portugal
Private commission
Private commission
Photo © Ana Pires
THE FOREIGN OBSERVER
2021-11-01
Between Particles and Waves, an exhibition in virtual public space (Minecraft).
-
THE FOREIGN OBSERVER
[new entry] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is present.
[+] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is located in the oversized pixelated landscape of Minecraft.
[+] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is one pixel and the entire image.
[+] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is three-dimensional and non-dimensional.
[+] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is now a show within show.
[+] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is now randomised weightless patterned geometry.
[new data] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is now part of this new world.
[new data] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is now present and future.
-
THE FOREIGN OBSERVER
[new entry] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is present.
[+] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is located in the oversized pixelated landscape of Minecraft.
[+] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is one pixel and the entire image.
[+] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is three-dimensional and non-dimensional.
[+] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is now a show within show.
[+] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is now randomised weightless patterned geometry.
[new data] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is now part of this new world.
[new data] The FOREIGN OBSERVER is now present and future.
Photo © Miguel Portelinha
PATCH: WORKED, 2021
2021-07-21
Add Fuel in collaboration with Viúva Lamego for Saraiva e Associados.
PATCH: WORKED is a series of 4 panels, specially commissioned for Saraiva e Associados’ office space in Lisbon. Highly distinct in its composition and chromatic, these pieces are the result of a challenge: to use tiles from Viúva Lamego’s stock catalogue, in pink tones, alongside with Add Fuel’s signature relief tiles. As a result, a patchwork of memories, with a dash of gradients and/for movement, combining the simple and highly decorative flatness with the noise of volume.
PATCH: WORKED 01 to 04, 2021
Hand painted ceramic tiles; white wooden frame
PATCH: WORKED is a series of 4 panels, specially commissioned for Saraiva e Associados’ office space in Lisbon. Highly distinct in its composition and chromatic, these pieces are the result of a challenge: to use tiles from Viúva Lamego’s stock catalogue, in pink tones, alongside with Add Fuel’s signature relief tiles. As a result, a patchwork of memories, with a dash of gradients and/for movement, combining the simple and highly decorative flatness with the noise of volume.
PATCH: WORKED 01 to 04, 2021
Hand painted ceramic tiles; white wooden frame
Photo © Diogo Machado
LISA REDUX, 2021
2021-05-24
Cais do Sodré, Lisbon, Portugal
Wall embedded hand cut ceramic tile panel
148 × 132.8 cm
This ceramic tile (azulejo) installation delves into Lisbon’s rich tile heritage where the classic blue hues meet ornamental and organic shapes. Rethought and Reworked.
Much like the artworks present in the 'CHRONOS REDUX' show, this panel presents a mix and dynamic of hand cut tiles coexisting in the same grid. The patterns, in their core and as a base, are from several locations throughout the city. But ’LISA REDUX’ in its emotion as an homage, is the result of rethought and rework.
Produced in collaboration with Rugo, with the support of Underdogs Gallery and GAU.
Wall embedded hand cut ceramic tile panel
148 × 132.8 cm
This ceramic tile (azulejo) installation delves into Lisbon’s rich tile heritage where the classic blue hues meet ornamental and organic shapes. Rethought and Reworked.
Much like the artworks present in the 'CHRONOS REDUX' show, this panel presents a mix and dynamic of hand cut tiles coexisting in the same grid. The patterns, in their core and as a base, are from several locations throughout the city. But ’LISA REDUX’ in its emotion as an homage, is the result of rethought and rework.
Produced in collaboration with Rugo, with the support of Underdogs Gallery and GAU.
Photo © Ana Pires
OVERLAP (MIAMI), 2020
2020-10-05
Miami, Florida, USA
Private site specific commission
286 wall embedded ceramic tiles
195,5 × 335,9 cm (6’5 × 11’1/4 inches)
Private site specific commission
286 wall embedded ceramic tiles
195,5 × 335,9 cm (6’5 × 11’1/4 inches)
IN DEPTH 01, 2020
2020-09-18
Panorâmico de Monsanto, Lisbon, Portugal
Galvanised steel panels cut with oxy-fuel coated with thermostatic paint
concrete base cladded with thermo-lacquered galvanised steel panel
210 x 130 x 45 cm
This installation explores the negative space present in the multi-layer stencil technique (applied to reinterpret the aesthetic of the tile language) widely used in my work, adapted here to a permanent metal format, creating a depth game with shadows, volumes, and sunlight exposure, allowing the viewer’s eye to create a tridimensional perception that can be analysed and viewed during different times of day. Also interesting here is the spacial correlation, the white pureness and elimination of color from the art which creates a high contrast with the surrounding space highly loaded with visual elements of urban aesthetic, elements also present in the art piece that create a tridimensional perception of shape versus environment versus light.
Galvanised steel panels cut with oxy-fuel coated with thermostatic paint
concrete base cladded with thermo-lacquered galvanised steel panel
210 x 130 x 45 cm
This installation explores the negative space present in the multi-layer stencil technique (applied to reinterpret the aesthetic of the tile language) widely used in my work, adapted here to a permanent metal format, creating a depth game with shadows, volumes, and sunlight exposure, allowing the viewer’s eye to create a tridimensional perception that can be analysed and viewed during different times of day. Also interesting here is the spacial correlation, the white pureness and elimination of color from the art which creates a high contrast with the surrounding space highly loaded with visual elements of urban aesthetic, elements also present in the art piece that create a tridimensional perception of shape versus environment versus light.
Photo © Miguel Portelinha
AMPLEXO, 2020
2020-07-20
Lisbon, Portugal
Commemorative ceramic tile installation for Casa Pia de Lisboa's 240th anniversary
Produced in collaboration with Rugo
Can a wall be a hug?
The piece created for Casa Pia de Lisboa is exactly that. A wall built not to separate, but to protect and shelter. Thought to embrace, this wall has the metaphorical shape of a hug, with arms that create space within. Its unfinished look is the artistic interpretation of the institution’s never ending work caring for children and young people for 240 years.
The drawings represent the interests of the young students as well as the mission and values of the institution. Education, professional training, digital technology, sports and music inspired the shapes, creatures and patterns that now get the attention of the most attentive. As an “amplexo” is the easiest way of showing affection, this work is the artist’s way of embracing the cause and the children in this institution.
Commemorative ceramic tile installation for Casa Pia de Lisboa's 240th anniversary
Produced in collaboration with Rugo
Can a wall be a hug?
The piece created for Casa Pia de Lisboa is exactly that. A wall built not to separate, but to protect and shelter. Thought to embrace, this wall has the metaphorical shape of a hug, with arms that create space within. Its unfinished look is the artistic interpretation of the institution’s never ending work caring for children and young people for 240 years.
The drawings represent the interests of the young students as well as the mission and values of the institution. Education, professional training, digital technology, sports and music inspired the shapes, creatures and patterns that now get the attention of the most attentive. As an “amplexo” is the easiest way of showing affection, this work is the artist’s way of embracing the cause and the children in this institution.
Photo © Miguel Portelinha
EARTH BOND, 2019
2019-09-10
Newport Beach, California, USA
Private commission
Private commission
Photo © Diogo Machado
EROSÃO, 2018
2018-11-12
Alandroal, Portugal
Private Commission
Private Commission
‘Erosion (noun) the process by which a surface is gradually damaged by natural elements and begins to disappear.’
Filled with mysticism and mistery, the beautiful region of Alentejo is one of the most arid locations of Portugal, where climate changes the scenery from dry earth tones to vivid green vegetation. This was the premise to create the paradox of EROSÃO; a glazed ceramic panel does not fade with time and will always be vivid throughout the different seasons.
Photo © Diogo Machado
LOUVOR DA VIVACIDADE, 2017
2017-09-20
Lisbon, Portugal
Organized by Junta de Freguesia da Estrela, produced in collaboration with Revigrés and Mistaker Maker.
Institucional partner Museu Nacional do Azulejo
Organized by Junta de Freguesia da Estrela, produced in collaboration with Revigrés and Mistaker Maker.
Institucional partner Museu Nacional do Azulejo
This work completes the set of tile panels known as the Azulejo Route that extends along Infante Santo Avenue, in Lisbon, and which includes the work of renowned Portuguese artists such as Maria Keil (1959), Carlos Botelho (1959), Júlio Pomar and Alice Jorge (1959), Sá Nogueira (1959), and Eduardo Nery (1994 and 2001). The mural, entitled “Louvor da Vivacidade” (a play on words that can be read both as “praise to liveliness” and “praise to a living city”), intends to bring the azulejo as an art form into the present, maintaining its historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic characteristics while endowing it with a contemporary aesthetic and reading. For the creation of this extensive work, with some 200 square metres, I reinterpreted the azulejos that were already there, namely the historic panels in the stairways. From these panels I selected some key patterns and compositions which served as the basis for the creation of this panel that pays tribute to the other pieces. Within this controlled chaos, I created a dynamic composition with elements based on the history of the Estrela neighbourhood, a place once connected with fishermen with an intrinsic relationship with the sea. I believe that from the combination of all these elements arises the necessary strength this tribute deserves.
Photo © Ana Pierce
UNTITLED, 2012
2012-08-22
Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
Walk&Talk Public Art Festival
Produced in collaboration with Revigrés
Walk&Talk Public Art Festival
Produced in collaboration with Revigrés
Part of the “Morphing” series, this ceramic tile mural consists of five independent modules that create an apparent sense of deconstruction throughout the entire piece. Like all of my works with azulejos, it requires a closer look as it reveals that all five modules connect with each other and create a disguised unity. This extensive wall piece is 30 metres long, with the height varying between 1.80 metres (on the left-hand end) and 0.30 metres (on the right-hand end).
Photo © Rui Soares