Lagos Cultural Centre will present the solo exhibition “Submerged/Immersed” by the Algarvian Vanessa Barragão
– January 19, 2024
The Algarve-born textile artist Vanessa Barragão has shown her work in Portugal, England, Germany, the United States, Taiwan, Shanghai, and South Korea, garnering international recognition online with 577K followers on Instagram alone.
Her large audience has become familiar with beautifully crafted tapestries, rugs, and wall hangings, which are made from latch hooks, crochets, felts, weavings, and fibre manipulation.
The ‘Submerged’ theme of the exhibition focuses on the underwater world, “which is often ignored yet essential to the food chain and life as we know it on Earth”. It also refers to the internal world of the artist and by extension the viewer. The idea of the artist exploring the uncharted realm of the imagination, a deep dive into the subconscious and the creative process.
By following a methodical approach to production and materials, Vanessa becomes completely absorbed in each project, which is why the title ‘Immersed’ refers not just to the submarine but also to the artistic process, as well as to the intention of the exhibition.
The artist invites everyone to walk around and to explore the remarkable works at close hand, and to consider life’s relationship with the environment and art’s creative methods.
“I’m interested in creating an inner world, a moment for reflection and calm. Through an exploration of material and space, I want to present a moment in time, abstracted and far removed from the global chaos and confusion,” states Vanessa Barragão.
The exhibition opens this Saturday, January 20th, at 5 pm and will run until March 23rd at the Lagos Cultural Centre, between 10am and 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Entrance is free.
About the artist
Vanessa Barragão was born in Albufeira in 1992 where she spent her early years exploring the abundant coastline of the Algarve, leading to a profound connection to the Ocean.
Barragão achieved a Masters degree in Fashion and Textile Design at Lisbon University, exploring the possibilities of yarn and tapestries with an interest in sustainability and ecology.
In 2016 she relocated to Porto where she honed her artisanal skills working as a designer in a rug factory. She now works out of an impressive studio in her hometown of Albufeira.
