Conflicted Nature: A Retelling of Our Lives

Perhaps paradoxical in essence, the “Conflicted Nature” exhibition, curated by Beatriz Teixeira, delves into our everyday lives to explore the depths of human experiences. Moments of potential insignificance are transformed into a linear presence that roots us as we observe a world in turmoil. 

Using a variety of mediums, from digital to textile art, young Portuguese artists share personal experiences, dreams and hopes, in a powerful demonstration of, well, life. Here, the difficulties of being human are in many ways contrasted with the beauty of living in our world. “Through the artists’ personal narratives and reflections on navigating a constantly shifting reality, the works evoke a sense of vulnerability and honesty,” Teixeria says, prompting conversations on issues we all have to confront. This exhibition is on from the 24th of April to the 28th of June, as a collaborative narrative effort.

How often do we get caught up in our daily humdrum, only to be disrupted by the overwhelming issues of the world? This exhibition serves as a gentle reminder of the little things that matter, providing comfort and revealing their significance in subtle ways. Luisa Tormenta, who primarily works with digital media, nudges towards a consideration of the sacredness of domesticity. Our reliance on the built environment is a manifestation of this sanctity, one which we often deem banal. However, “multiple conflicts of social, technological, or climate nature are forcing us to reflect on the way we interact with nature,” she argues, suggesting friction due to a duality between “the inside and outside, and the real and fake”.

Camila Almeida aims to find a balance in this conflict and bring about harmony, this time looking towards the outer world and the manifestations of nature. On a large piece of cloth, she embroidered 37 ants and the tunnels they inhabit, as shown below. She presents them as a model for collective living, inviting us to reflect on the paths we have chosen for ourselves. “Through how ants function as a society, I am to evoke empathy, introspection, and solidarity, prompting viewers to confront their own emotions and contemplate the interconnectedness of human experiences amidst adversity.”

A significant focus of the exhibition is the impact of current events on the mind and body. Bene Ferreira, a mixed media artist, explores trauma and fatigue as subjects of her artistic conversations, as does L. Tormenta in bringing up feelings of imprisonment and isolation. Strong emotions seep out of ongoing discussions and into the art world, serving as powerful tools for communication.

Vulnerability plays a crucial role, not only because of the personal nature of the artists’ experiences brought to life but also in the way reality is presented. Subjectivity is at the core of this exhibition, demonstrating the relevance of artistic expression to current events. “I think artists feel somewhat responsible to talk about world conflicts in their personal works,” suggests Almeida. She argues that art can render issues “more understandable” for the public, especially when utilized as a vehicle for education.

Connecting art to other disciplines, such as science or politics, is one of the mechanisms employed in “Conflicted Natures” for the creative process operating in the background. Almeida, for example, underwent rigorous research on ants, driven by her opinionated nature. Here, art serves as an intersection for a plethora of phenomena, giving an unconstrained hand to curiosity and allowing for the conversation to be taken in however many directions is necessary. “Art is discussion,” as José Duarte Pacheco succinctly puts it.

One often hears our times described as uncertain, and  “Conflicted Nature” does not seek to stray away from this description. However, Texeira and the participating artists certainly manage to not only embrace ambiguity but also present us viewers with pillars of security. Whether it be a sense of shared pains and understanding, they grant us awareness of the issues we do not have to face alone. One can expect to encounter unique perspectives on life through intimate narratives and be called out to the realities which matter. If, as Tormenta suggests, “the function of artistic production [...] is essential and often proves to be a true mirror of the evolution of thinking,” then it is our function as viewers to integrate it into our personal worlds.