The most celebrated Portuguese art fair, Arco Lisboa, held its 7th edition between May 23rd and 26th at Cordoaria Nacional. Featuring 84 galleries from 15 countries, the event is treasured by the growing local contemporary art scene, which is increasingly getting more international attraction and improving structures for local artists, independent spaces, and museums. 

The small but charming and pleasant art fair, located in an 18th-century rope factory, reflects Lisbon's relaxing summer atmosphere. It is by far less crowded and business-oriented than its original brand, the traditional Arco Madrid. 

We extended an exclusive invitation to the members of 100 Collector to join the prestigious opening night of the event. We guided them through a tour at the main sector, which was primarily participated by Portuguese and Spanish galleries (only 10 percent of the booths in the general program were coming from other nationalities). 

Our Tour began at the Portuguese Galeria Filomena Soares booth, where we drew attention to the thought-provoking works of Angolan artists Kiluanji Kia Henda and Délio Jesse. Their art sparks important conversations about decolonialism, challenging the current relationship between Portugal and its ex-colonies.

Although decolonization and independence occurred in countries such as Angola, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, and Cape Verde in the 1970s, the relations of power and hierarchy remain strong: citizens of the first or second generations coming from those countries still face extreme prejudice. By using documents, photographs, and sculptures, these artists raise awareness of subjects that are still taboo in the country. 

A highlight amongst the Spanish galleries was Galleria Max Estrella, which showcased the works of Eugenio Ampudia and Daniel Canogar. With 'Donde Dormir,' Canogar sleeps in important cultural venues, such as the Ajuda Palace in Lisbon. His photographs are the outcome of these performances: behind the apparent simplicity of the gesture of sleeping lies a position of resistance and rebellion. 

A celebrated figure of digital art and AI, Canogar showcased artworks like 'Chroma' and 'Universal Loom,' in which generative pieces brought traditional forms of art and movements, such as abstract expressionism and embroidery, closer to the digital realm.  

At the Portuguese FOCO Gallery, we presented the work by Portuguese Rudolfo Quintas, who develops fascinating AI works on the impact of information and technology on mental health. In the piece 'Sentiment Data Paintings,' algorithms read real-time news since the opening of Arco Lisbon and generated paintings based on their optimistic or pessimistic tone. There is no need to say that the number of negative articles was infinitely more considerable…we are all going crazy! 

The Tour was not just a walk-through but an engaging experience filled with insightful conversations with gallerists and artists, all facilitated by our team. We then indulged in drinks and lively chitchats, making the evening truly memorable. Cheers!