Owl Guides

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Art Gallery

District: Lisboa > Loures > Loures > Quinta do Mocho

Location:

Quinta do Mocho is an urban area located in the municipality of Loures, on the outskirts of Lisbon. It is situated in a residential area that, over time, has been marked by a unique cultural project.

This urbanization serves as the stage for a public art initiative that occupies a large part of its facades and spaces, making it a distinctive place in the landscape of Loures.

The Open-Air Gallery:

What defines Quinta do Mocho for many visitors is its extensive collection of urban art. The buildings function as giant canvases for an open-air gallery, featuring countless paintings and murals.

This vast collection brings together works by Portuguese and international artists. The artworks, which already exceed a hundred, frequently address social themes, reflect the culture and experiences of the local community, or include depictions of the owl (mocho), in allusion to the place's name.

A Story of Change:

The history of Quinta do Mocho is marked by a complex past, associated with social challenges that created a difficult public image. However, this narrative began to change significantly from 2014 onwards.

A project involving art and the community itself spurred a transformation. Artistic intervention on the neighborhood's walls was fundamental in changing the perception of the place, both for residents and visitors, fostering a renewed sense of pride and identity.

The Voices of the Community:

For those who desire a deeper understanding of the art and history behind Quinta do Mocho's transformation, the experience with the "Owl Guides" (Guias do Mocho) offers a unique perspective.

These guides are young people who reside in the community itself. They share their knowledge about the artworks, the artists, and the messages contained within them. Above all, they tell the story of the neighborhood through their personal experiences, providing an authentic insight into the impact of this project on the lives of its inhabitants.

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