There is a new exhibition in Taguspark that explores the idea of roots, both in the literal and abstract sense, the nature and role of women in society. “Roots”, a set of about two dozen paintings by the young artist Emma Santos, will be on the central core of Taguspark in Oeiras from July 7 until August 27, 2022. Admission is free.
In this collection of works, Emma Santos, only 19 years old and studying at Camberwell College of Arts in London, traces elements of her identity, such as her Portuguese roots, femininity and the history of women, her connection to nature, her childhood and experiences of birth and death. In his paintings, the trees and roots themselves are metaphors or symbols for women, safety and uniqueness.
“From the idea of roots, this exhibition addresses the origins and embodiment of nature as a woman in many cultures. The natural world is often seen as an abundant source of resources, giving us life and comfort, and this relates to the way women are treated in our society, especially mothers, fertile entities and abundant ones on who rest the burden of reproductive and emotional work in the context of the family”, explains Emma Santos.
To the sound of Fado, which she hears while painting, the artist uses narratives and images of women in art history and literature as references to paint her own experiences as a woman. “Daphne and the Laurel Tree”, one of the paintings on display, is inspired by Daphne’s ancient Greek history, which turns into a tree to hide from Apollo, and works such as “The Cockerel and the Fox”, “Portrait of my Room” and “Saudade” explore feelings of longing and cultural dissonance.
“Raízes”, which will be the artist’s second solo exhibition, having exhibited at the Literary Guild in Lisbon in 2021, and in two joint exhibitions in London in 2022, can be visited until August 27, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm (except Sundays and holidays).
The presence of arts and culture in Taguspark – City of Knowledge is part of the context of mau – Museum of Urban Art, which aims to promote critical thinking and is an invitation to reflection on current society.