New exhibition brings major collection of Portuguese neo-realist art to the Algarve for the first time
Museu de Portimão is celebrating its 18th anniversary with the inauguration of Uma Poética Resistente (A Poetic Resistence), a new exhibition showcasing one of the largest and most diverse collections of Portuguese neo-realist art ever presented in the Algarve.
Opened on May 17, the exhibition is part of a cultural partnership with Museu do Neo-Realismo, and features around 60 works spanning painting, drawing, printmaking and photography.
Curated by David Santos, scientific director of Museu do Neo-Realismo, the exhibition brings together works from the museum’s collection in Vila Franca de Xira, offering visitors insight into the neo-realist movement that developed in Portugal during the Estado Novo period, particularly between the mid-1930s and the late 1950s.
Marking 18 years since Museu de Portimão opened in 2008, the exhibition highlights the institution’s ongoing dedication to the community, local history, and the preservation of the region’s cultural identity.
Featured artists include Portimão-born figures such as Margarida Tengarrinha and Querubim Lapa, alongside other prominent names including José Dias Coelho, Júlio Pomar, Maria Barreira, Rogério Ribeiro, Alice Jorge, Júlio Resende, Sá Nogueira, Cipriano Dourado, Jorge de Almeida Monteiro and João Hogan.
Through themes of hardship, resilience and social inequality, the artists portrayed the realities of everyday life whilst expressing hope, humanism and the belief in social transformation. Many of the works became artistic acts of resistance, challenging authoritarian narratives and giving voice to communities often overlooked during the dictatorship.
Uma Poética Resistente is open until August 30. Visiting hours are Tuesdays from 2.30pm to 6pm, and Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Between July 15 and August 31, summer opening hours will extend from 3pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Follow Inside Algarve Magazine on Instagram and Facebook for more news!
Read also:
Intermarché Lagos expands its fresh section to offer more choice and a better shopping experience
