Bordaliana Route - Monkey Village

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Leiria > Caldas da Rainha > Caldas da Rainha > Avenal

Location

This piece of the Bordaliana Route is located in the Avenal area, an urban part of the city of Caldas da Rainha. It is specifically situated on Rua de Camões, integrating into the daily life of the locality. Its position in a passing zone allows the work to dialogue with the urban environment, inviting a moment of observation during a stroll through Caldas da Rainha.

The Homage to Bordalo Pinheiro

The "Village of Monkeys" is part of an artistic route that celebrates the work of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, a central figure in the history of Portuguese ceramics and caricature. This Bordaliana Route project has as its primary objective to keep alive the memory of the artist and his strong connection to the city of Caldas da Rainha, where he founded the famous Faianças Factory. Throughout the city, various large-scale replicas of his most emblematic creations invite discovery of his legacy.

The "Village of Monkeys" Piece

The "Village of Monkeys" installation stands out for its originality and for how it transforms one of Bordalo Pinheiro's most recognizable sculptural groups into a piece of public art. This work represents a group of monkeys, capturing them in various poses and expressions. These animals were frequently used by the artist in his creations to comment on and satirize aspects of the society of his time, adding a layer of depth and humor to the piece. It is an opportunity to appreciate Bordalo Pinheiro's creativity and ingenuity.

An Urban Visual Experience

Integrated into the urban fabric, the "Village of Monkeys" offers a distinct visual point of interest in the cityscape. Its presence breaks the monotony, inviting passers-by to pause and appreciate the scale of the work and how ceramics, traditionally associated with interior spaces, gain a new life outdoors. This location on the route allows visitors a different perspective on the work of Bordalo Pinheiro, highlighting his ability to communicate with the public in a contemporary and accessible context.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt