Observadores – Revelações, Trânsitos e Distâncias

In his book The Emancipated Spectator, Jacques Rancière discusses the role of the observer of the theatrical object, stating that the 'paradox of the spectator' lies at the heart of the discussion surrounding relations between the public and art. Rancière says: 'This paradox is simple to formulate. There is no theatre without a spectator (even if it is a unique and secret spectator)'. By analogy with the visual arts, this statement can be extended to allow us to consider the place of the subject/spectator in his/her affinity with the artistic object.

The exhibition Observadores – Revelações, Trânsitos e Distâncias [Observers – Revelations,Transits and Distances] aims to be considered as a narrative whose starting point is the Coleção Berardo, from which a choice has been made that brings together 100 works and artists, including established names as well as younger ones from both Portugal and abroad.

Arranged in thematic groups – Humans, Object to Be Constructed, On the Quotidian, Spatial Concept, Black Landscape and The Show Must Go On – the exhibition presents a series of artists who share common concepts, affinities and concerns and who come together in the space of the exhibition, freed from any geographical circumscription or specific chronology.