Category: Culture and Entertainment > Art Gallery
District: Vila Real > Montalegre > Paradela, Contim e Fiães
"Arte da Terra" is located in the village of Paradela do Rio, which is part of the union of parishes of Paradela, Contim, and Fiães, in the municipality of Montalegre. Situated in an old stone house, typical of the region, the space is integrated into the tranquility of the village. The surroundings are marked by natural landscapes, with verdant hills and rock formations that characterize this area of Trás-os-Montes.
Clay is the central element at "Arte da Terra". This material, which comes from the earth itself, is the basis for all creations that take shape in this studio. The selection and work with clay underscore the project's deep connection to the place and the nature that surrounds it. It is from this raw material that figures and objects are born, carrying something of the essence of the Montalegre territory.
"Arte da Terra" is the space where the visions of two artists, Maria Carvalho and José Teixeira, intersect. Each develops a body of work with its own distinct identity. Maria tends to create figures with a more direct and emotive expression, addressing themes such as affections, human relationships, and daily life, often with a dreamlike touch. José, on the other hand, uses ceramics to reflect on the world and society in an insightful and sometimes critical way, frequently employing simple human figures to tell complex stories.
In the gallery, visitors will find a diversity of ceramic pieces that reflect the distinct styles of their creators. There are works that capture the tenderness of relationships or the lightness of fantasy, such as representations of families, amiable-looking animals, or transfigured elements of nature. In contrast, there are pieces that, in their apparent formal simplicity, tell narratives about the human condition, social challenges, or existential reflections, inviting a careful reading of the details.
The "Arte da Terra" premises serve as both a studio and an exhibition gallery. Housed in a traditional stone building, the atmosphere invites exploration of the various areas where pieces are displayed. The space maintains an authentic ambiance, allowing visitors to feel the connection between the artistic creation process and the character of the old house and the village itself.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.7633768,-7.946057
Coordinates DMS: 41°45'48.2"N 07°56'45.8"W