Messejana, Portugal

Messejana, Portugal 2022 – A social-art research project I initiatived, with a primary focus on the local people, nature, and the history of the village, during art residency in Buhino.

Messejana, situated in the Alentejo region in Portugal, is a traditional village that holds significant historical value. The centerpiece of the village is an ancient church, which, intriguingly, functioned as a prison many years ago. The majority of the villagers still engage in the occupation of mining Adorned with beautiful cork trees and surrounded by lush green hills, Messejana boasts a serene atmosphere.

Driven by a desire to comprehend the lives of the locals and their resilience in overcoming life’s challenges, I embarked on a mission to interview them. As part of my artistic process, I painted portraits of the individuals I encountered and captured the essence of the village through sketches. Upon the conclusion of my residency, I organized an exhibition showcasing these paintings and sketches – I projected these artworks onto the grand facade of the main church in the village square, creating a mesmerizing display of art merged with the historical architecture.