Duplex Air Residency

What does an artist studio really look like? How does a creative process work? Because we wanted artists to show and tell themselves, we took our 100 Collectors' members to Duplex Air, the collective artist studio located in the traditional neighbourhood of Graça, in Lisbon. The visit took place in October 2023 in one of the most exciting art residencies in the city. 

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Duplex Air is run by artist and curator Susana Rocha, a generous and energetic art professional of Lisbon, who manages the space independently. She guided us in a visit through the entire studio, which is divided into three different parts: exhibition space, work spaces for permanent artists, and studios for artists in residence. Susana shared a lot about the importance of collective studios for the work of artists, as well as how she runs the entire place on her own. 

At Duplex Air, artists receive regular visits of curators, gallerists, journalists and other art professionals, who come to know and/or accompany their works. These visits are composed of collective and individual discussions, which can be very beneficial to their processes. Susana also takes the artists-in-residence to regular tours to art venues in the city of Lisbon, so that they can get more acquainted with the local art scene. 

Some of the artist-in-residence were present during our guided tours, and opened their spaces to us. Coming from different parts of the world and working with very different media - paintings, sculpture, installation, and sound, to name a few - they have contributed for an insider and non-stereotypical view of our collectors on how artists live and work.  

It all ended with a sunset and a beautiful view of the city!