Group show ‘Raizes Vinculadas’ in Canelas train station, part of the exhibition cycle ‘Ode to Earth’. Canelas, Estarreja, Portugal. 2022. Selected photos.

An excerpt from the exhibition press release:

The selection of works presented consists of works that have won the third prize of the open call "Ode to Earth" whose theme is environment and sustainability.

Each artist displays their point of view through their own interpretation, thus generating a new visual order. They are small noises that are transformed from feelings, fears and an essence of their own being.

These are noisy fragments, created through the symbiosis between the landscape and the image. Practices developed through the relationship of land, water and feelings are like a manifestation of nature itself.

‘Ode to Earth’ - today, thanks to great technological advances, dizzying speed, in which the moment of reflection, through what surrounds us, is increasingly rare. Consuming what surrounds us, without any responsibility and commitment to the future. Despite the roots that gave us the bases for economic and social support, we are responsible of the degradation of the land, water and air, there is the need for a new branch to grow. Like roots and leaves, which extend through space, with the intention of healing. This process requires awareness, responsibility and empathy. Our fruits, flowers and seeds, are the key words for the artist’s works. Having the conscience that our descendants have their life conditioned by environmental problems that increase day by day.

Currently Canelas station has a partnership between the Union of Parishes of Canelas and Fermelã, the Municipality of Estarreja and the Artist Mário Afonso. The space is being explored with the aim of promoting the works of national and international artists from various artistic areas, such as photography, painting, music, video art, among others, periodically holding exhibitions, and offering the parish of Canelas access to projects in current cultures. Likewise, the quality of the various works published is also guaranteed, associated with artists who are now emerging in the artistic scene, thus giving a unique opportunity to residents of the parish and surroundings to consume art for free. The station also has an educational nature. In addition to the artistic issue and because the station is within a walking distance of BioRia, there is also a strong environmental and social concern.