My experience after three months has been going very well. I am gaining valuable insights into how an artistic collective operates, which involves learning how to collaborate with the public and interact with various local and international artistic entities. I am also discovering how to effectively promote events and exhibitions within the city by leveraging the power of social media platforms. At the same time, I am acquiring hands-on skills, such as sewing on different types of fabrics and textiles. Moreover, I am continually refining my screen-printing techniques, particularly multi-layered printing, and achieving noticeable progress in this area.
This experience is proving to be incredibly enriching, both on a professional and personal level. One of the most rewarding aspects is how my English skills are improving significantly. This growth in language proficiency has been pivotal in enabling me to forge new connections within the artistic community. These interactions not only broaden my understanding of the art world but also pave the way for potential collaborations with international artists in the future.
The EYE program is shaping up to be exactly as I had envisioned it before starting: a vibrant and dynamic environment filled with creative energy, a wealth of learning opportunities, and a lively artistic spirit. This is precisely what I was looking for and, more importantly, what I truly needed at this point in my journey.
So far, I feel extremely satisfied with the program and the individuals I work with on a daily basis. The workplace fosters a collaborative and harmonious atmosphere, where everyone is supportive and open to sharing ideas. We consistently engage in meaningful discussions about new projects or concepts that we can develop and bring to life within the laboratory setting.
To give you a clearer idea of what I’ve been working on, I have attached two photos below showcasing some of the latest projects completed in collaboration with Oficina Arara. Both projects were designed for two separate exhibitions, each with its own unique purpose and audience.
The first project is currently featured in an exhibition in Fortaleza, Brazil. This exhibition revolves around the theme of April 25th. As a collective, we worked on painting approximately 70 meters of fabric, a monumental effort that we later shipped to Brazil to be used as part of the installation for the exhibition. The experience of working on such a large-scale project was both challenging and incredibly rewarding, as it required careful planning, teamwork, and attention to detail.
The second project was an exhibition held at the Forum of Maia. For this event, we focused on creating a collaborative work by painting three large walls. What made this project particularly special was the involvement of various community members, including elderly individuals, children, and people with disabilities. Working together with these groups allowed us to foster a sense of inclusivity and shared creativity, which added an emotional and social depth to the project.
Through these experiences, I have not only enhanced my artistic and technical skills but also deepened my understanding of how art can bring people together and create meaningful connections across diverse groups. These projects embody the essence of what it means to work within an artistic collective, and I feel truly fortunate to be part of such impactful initiatives.