Panorama of the painting
Painting is often considered the poor relation of Portuguese culture. Wrongly so, since the economic boom of the 14th century was accompanied by Portugal's expansion beyond its borders. Painting was patronized by kings. Painting reached its apogee in the 15th century, as churches were enriched with altarpieces. The Flemish model conveyed a concern for detail and the use of oil paint. The most famous Portuguese painter, Nuno Gonçalves (1448-1481), imbibed both Flemish and Italian techniques. His masterpiece is undoubtedly the polyptych of São Vincente da Fora, six panels painted on wood, recognized as the first group representation in European art.
The 16th century saw the emergence of a darker Renaissance art style that questioned the perception of others. Religious scenes were joined by portraits. Commissioned by notables, they encouraged painters to perfect their technique. The circulation of images in Europe saw the Flemish influence grow stronger. A Saint Peter painted in 1530 by Vasco Fernandes, known as Grão Vasco, shows a Nordic landscape in the background. Another feature of Portuguese painting was the discovery of Brazil, which left its mark on the imagination of artists who lent Brazilian features to biblical characters, such as Melchior in an Adoration of the Magi from 1503.
The art of the azulejo
Azulejos originated in Persia and reached Portugal in the late 15th century. By the 17th century, these tiles had become a dominant mode of artistic expression. Their success was due to their use in the building industry. Influenced by the Italian style, they became polychrome with the "majolica" style. In the 18th century, at the height of the Baroque period, azulejos became veritable tableaux depicting biblical, mythological or rural scenes. As orders increased, the Portuguese turned to the Dutch, whose techniques enabled them to produce more complex panels. Hand-painted and varnished, they now cover façades and interior walls. In Lagos, Casa Verde is famous for being covered, as its name suggests, in nothing but green tiles.
Art galleries in Faro
Let's take the pulse of the contemporary scene by exploring the art galleries. Most of them recent, they bring together local and international artists. Faro's ancient streets are home to some surprising contemporary art galleries. Let's start our tour with the fascinating Galería do Arte Arco. Nestled between the city walls, it boasts a breathtaking view of the Ria Formosa. Inside, contemporary Portuguese art combines with an astonishing collection of centuries-old toys.
The Galería de Arte Trem is housed in converted barracks. Its collection includes paintings, sculptures, audio and video installations by renowned artists. In its quest for the avant-garde, it reflects the modern, innovative face of the Algarve. Portuguese artist Mariana Madeira and her concept of mapping, combining performance, sculpture and sound to denounce disturbing truths about today's society.
The Artadentro association, based in Faro, aims to represent the whole of the Algarve, and indeed Portugal. Located in the heart of the old town, the organization has been promoting contemporary art since 2003, with a particular focus on experimental and regional creations. Real talent scouts!
Off course
In the village of São Lourenço near Almancil, the Centro Cultural combines art, music and literature in an enchanting setting. Opened in 1981, the venue is a platform for both emerging and established artists. Visitors pass through a succession of terraces and patios to admire unique paintings and sculptures, set against the backdrop of the Algarvian countryside. To combine art and wine tasting, head for Galerie LiR (Lady In Red) on the outskirts of Lagos. This vast, raw space, housed in a wine cooperative, supports artists such as Laura Aires, a young Lagos painter, photographer Alexandre Manuel and sculptor Catarina Alves.
Street art walk
Let's stay in Lagos for a street art tour. In this seaside resort surrounded by cliffs, the ARTURb project brings together renowned street artists to promote the local scene. At the gateway to the city, a transparent skeleton exercises its photographic talents on a three-storey building. Aryz's Tempus Fugit has been enthroned since 2014. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets of the town center to discover the frescoes created by L.A.C. The association invites artists in residence, organizes an annual festival and runs a gallery. Further on, painted vultures mark the collective fresco by Wes21 and Onur in Rua Lançarote de Freitas. Opposite the cultural center, Polish artist Bezt has depicted his famous female figures in the heart of the forest. Your steps will surely lead you to Roa's snails in love, Sainer's frog and the sublime Borondo, which embraces the environment with disconcerting finesse. The Algarve never ceases to amaze!
