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At Martinhal Lisbon Oriente / Martinhal Residences
Martinhal has always been devoted to fostering a relationship with the vibrant world of Portuguese artists and artisans. For over a decade, our commitment is reflected through various initiatives that aim to support and empower upcoming talented Portuguese artists, providing a stage for their artistic journey to unfold, with names such as Kruella D’Enfer, Graça Paz, Pedro Batista, Bordalo II, Vasco Águas, Oficina Marques and Tamara Alves, among many others.
Embracing Martinhal’s profound connection to the arts, esteemed Portuguese artists have been handpicked to create exclusive pieces for this remarkable project.
Every aspect of the project is infused with artistic excellence, curating an immersive living experience where the beauty of Portuguese artistry merges seamlessly with the refined elegance of a luxury experience, and where cultural heritage is celebrated. In our meticulously designed spaces, the walls breathe with mesmerizing artwork and artistic expressions beckon from every corner.
Our commitment to the arts is reflected in the pieces that adorn each apartment, featuring lithos of original pieces created exclusively for Martinhal. We invite you to embrace a lifestyle where art becomes an integral part of your daily existence, allowing yourself to be captivated by the stories told through brushstrokes.
Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in the north of Portugal, Porto, and her training in Fashion Design, Graça’s work showcases a multidisciplinary connection between painting and textile art, and is primarily focused on geometric abstract forms, amalgamating the graceful fluidity of water colour, the comforting allure of textile design, and the vibrant expressiveness of acrylics. Graça Paz was an invited artist in residence for Martinhal’s Luxury, Art and Design Weekend 2021 in Martinhal Sagres and one of the artists invited to join the select group of artists to produce specific pieces of art for Martinhal Lisbon Oriente/ Martinhal Residences that would be reproduced throughout the building to adorn the corridors and apartments.
In addition to the art specially created for Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, the hotel lobby was the chosen place for the two art pieces done by Graça Paz for Martinhal Sagres annual Luxury, Art and Design Weekend 2021.
The Martinhal Lisbon Oriente lobby was the place chosen for the two art pieces done by Graça Paz for Martinhal Sagres annual Luxury, Art and Design Weekend 2021. These works reflect the new ideas, dreams, and perspectives on life that emerged post-pandemic. They embody a love for what is tactile, feminine, and matriarchal – imagining something beyond the state of uncertainty and holding onto hope.
This amazing collection has been specially created for Martinhal Lisbon Oriente & Martinhal Residences. Graça Paz sees in this project the sanctity of a place that was once empty but held the dreams of becoming a space where people would connect. “Building” starts long before the laying of the first foundation stones. It begins with the story of a family that becomes a faithful keeper of the most sacred thing there is – which is a place. In Portuguese, the streets were beautifully called places (“lugares”) before the term street appeared.
The sequence of artwork tells a story, following a contemplative journey as one walks along the corridors. The journey begins with stones, aligned with the planets, symbolizing the earliest human attempts to create shelter. It then moves on to the elements, especially water, sun, and wind, which, aligned with thought and dream, create the intention and give rise to portals and more geometric shapes that bring us to the present moment – the houses, the gardens, the swimming pools and everything that Martinhal has been sowing throughout time.
Sacred Lands A series of 20 artworks all related by a central theme. Medium– Acrylic, plaster and varnish in Cod paper. Location – Apartments and corridors.
Making the natural sequence of “the sacred lands”, the artist moves to the human being as an individual or family, who inhabits the houses.
Portuguese visual artist and illustrator Ângela Ferreira, known in the artistic world as Kruella d’Enfer, has a distinctive style, using contrasting colours and geometric shapes to evoke a deep sense of wonder. The passion for the fantastic universe is visible in her work, bringing ancient legends and myths to life in both large-scale murals and intimist works on paper and canvas. Kruella D’Enfer was an invited artist in residence for Martinhal’s Luxury, Art and Design Weekend 2017 in Martinhal Sagres. She was invited to join the select group of artists to produce specific pieces of art for Martinhal Lisbon Oriente & Martinhal Residences – in her case, she was invited to do the internal murals in all the lift lobbies in the building. Her genius led her to transform all 19 floors into one enormous internal mural.
This mural brings the outside in, from the bottom of the ocean, up to the universe. This stunning artwork is divided into 19 parts, corresponding to each floor of the building. The artwork on the lower floors evokes the ethereal beauty of the underwater world and the hydrosphere, with mesmerizing depictions of algae, shells, and hues reminiscent of the deep sea, seamlessly transitioning to the middle floors, with elements associated with the lithosphere, using earthly tones and elements such as plants, microorganisms, rocks and mountains, and ultimately culminating in elements of the atmosphere and space, creating a harmonious terrestrial system. Uniting these diverse layers of life is a pervasive organic element—a white smoke—symbolizing the interconnectedness of these elements and inviting a dynamic interaction by mirroring the fluidity of human movement.
It was amid the urban culture and atmosphere of the 1990s in Carcavelos, Lisbon, combined with the fact that he was an enthusiastic skater and surfer, that Pedro found the necessary freedom to express himself and to dream of one day being an artist. His international experiences, together with the studies and other trips he has made throughout his career, provided him with the opportunity to rethink his practice from a formal point of view, also contributing to its contextualization in the international scene. Pedro was an invited artist in residence for Martinhal’s Luxury, Art and Design Weekend 2019 in Martinhal Sagres. He was invited to join the select group of artists to produce specific pieces of art for Martinhal Lisbon Oriente & Martinhal Residences that would be reproduced throughout the building to adorn the corridors and apartments.
Pedro’s body of work for Martinhal Lisbon Oriente & Martinhal Residences is an insight into the artists’ process within a biographic narrative where memories and images are the starting point of his paintings. They represent specific moments in time, fragments of memory, and hope to prompt the viewer to embark on a journey of introspection and call upon their own memories.
Tamara Alves, a Portuguese visual artist and illustrator from the Algarve, has always been interested in a type of work that is inserted into the world, fascinated by the aesthetics of the street and the urban context, choosing to present her artworks on the street or in public spaces. Her work represents an erotic view of a contemporary body with the effects of its own limits expanded. Instead of rational thinking there’s a rough passion, a body-without- organs, a becoming animal, the experienced sensations, “starving hysterical naked” (Allen Ginsberg). She skillfully captures and celebrates intense sensations, passionate emotions and of an animal becoming. Her work spans across all kinds of skin, from painting to illustration, from tattooing to urban art, and invites us to embrace untamed emotions as a driving force. Tamara Alves was an invited artist in residence for Martinhal’s Luxury, Art and Design Weekend 2018 in Martinhal Sagres. She was invited to join the select group of artists to produce specific pieces of art for Martinhal Lisbon Oriente & Martinhal Residences that would be reproduced throughout the building to adorn the corridors and apartments.
Les bons sauvages (the good savages) are characters of untamed freedom and nature’s embrace. They represent a utopia where we remain one with the wild, with animal magnetism and boundless joy, and where our inner child thrives.
Artur Bordalo, Portuguese artist from Lisbon, uses the artistic name Bordalo II as a tribute to his grandfather, the painter Real Bordalo. His youth took place between his grandfather’s studio, and the adventures around illegal graffiti in the underworld of the city of Lisbon. The public space would become the chosen stage for his explorations of color and scale and the platform where he gradually transformed his habits and channeled his experiences in the construction and development of his artistic work. Known for his captivating and thought-provoking works of urban art, Bordalo II transforms trash and unwanted objects into striking animal-inspired sculptures, depicting the interplay between nature and human consumption, and raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and the detrimental effects of overconsumption. His creations not only invite viewers to question their relationship with the environment but also serve as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can be found in unexpected places. In October 2022, Martinhal sponsored and hosted Bordalo’s first solo exhibition to the public in 5 years at the Edu Hub Lisbon – titled EVILUTION, it revealed new works of arts in new styles never seen before by the public. This collaboration led to 4 of Bordalo II’s pieces to be chosen to adorn different moments and spaces in the hotel areas.
This stunning piece forms the focal point of the lobby. In the Small Trash Animals collection, discarded objects are transformed into captivating portraits of animals. From toys to soft toys and even shutters, Bordalo II breathes new life into forgotten treasures of daily life, creating stunning pieces with intricate detail and an intimate character. In the Neutral subseries animals are represented in a realistic/naturalistic way, focusing on textures and organic expressions of the animals, using objects such as nets, fabrics and soft toys.
In the Lighted subseries of Big Trash Animals, leftover neon-LED is transformed from waste to art. These pieces reveal a parallel existence: during the day showcasing the repurposed hoses, rescued ropes, fishing nets, and discarded plastics that compose them, and as night falls, mesmerizing erratic neon lights flicker to life, reminiscent of the vibrant advertisements from the 60s and 70s. Yet, unlike the overconsumption-driven advertisements, these luminous creatures have a noble purpose—they serve as poignant reminders of the excessive waste generated by our exaggerated consumption habits.
In the Plastic subseries, there is no painting; the elements are left bare, allowing each component to be identified with ease. While plastics play a major role, the artist uses diverse materials from various sources, including wastelands and abandoned factories. From bumpers, ropes and fishing nets, hoses, rubbish bins, construction site helmets, to signalling cones, what they share in common is that they are all discarded materials, having reached the end of their useful lives.
Portuguese artist Vasco Águas is known for the seamless fusion of macramé and manual weaving techniques, bringing to life stunning medium and large-scale tapestries where every crafted detail tells a story and invites spectators to immerse themselves in a world of tactile beauty. An architect and graphic designer by training, Vasco turned his hobby into a more serious activity. Drawing inspiration from the ocean and nature, his pieces reflect his architectural eye and show his grasp of aesthetics. Vasco Águas was an invited artist in residence for Martinhal’s Luxury, Art and Design Weekend 2018 in Martinhal Sagres. He was invited to join the select group of artists to produce specific pieces of art for Martinhal Lisbon Oriente & Martinhal Residences that would be reproduced throughout the building to adorn the corridors and apartments.
The quadrilogy “Let’s Play” beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Martinhal universe, tracing its origins and celebrating the distinct elements that define the DNA of the group. Each motif within this collection is a testament to the iconic moments and unique characteristics that have shaped Martinhal. Starting the quadriology, “Jumpin’” portrays vibrant beach balls and an island, reminiscent of the beach at Martinhal Sagres Resort – the first Martinhal hotel. Completing the quadrilogy, “Residences” bridges Martinhal’s past, present, and future with an open embrace of new horizons.
Designed and meticulously hand-embroidered on exquisite Portuguese linen by the talented Vasco Águas, Let’s Play comprises four original motifs, each produced in limited series of 20 units. The embroidery process itself incorporates the invaluable craftsmanship of André Matos, A Avó Veio Trabalhar and Rita Teles Garcia. While the motifs remain consistent within each series, all 80 reproductions created are distinct and one-of-a-kind, ensuring a truly unique and collectible work of art for each fortunate owner.
It is under the motto “Desire to live” (‘Tusa de Viver’) that Portuguese artists Gezo Marques and José Aparício Gonçalves lead Oficina Marques, motivated by their “need to materialise and tell stories with their own hands”. They work with discarded items, and together they celebrate the cycles of life, memories and scars of objects, giving them a new life and story through their art. Their unique works, which range from wooden panels to authorial ceramics, reflect a creative process that starts from diverse objects and neutral raw materials. They were invited to participate in the 10th edition of the Art, Design & Wellbeing weekend at Martinhal Sagres, where they created new works inspired by the family atmosphere and nature that surrounds the hotel.
Held annually in November at the exquisite Martinhal Sagres Luxury Family Resort, Martinhal Luxury Art and Design Weekend is an event that celebrates more than just art and design – it is a haven of artistic brilliance. Already marking 10 editions, it is not only a fusion of elegance, creativity, and unparalleled indulgence, but also a testament to our commitment to supporting and nurturing the talented Portuguese artistic community.
From awe-inspiring installations to captivating workshops, every moment immerses visitors in the refined taste and meticulous craftsmanship that define the Martinhal experience. Amidst the stunning coastal views of the Algarve, visitors indulge in exquisite cuisine, savoring the flavors of culinary mastery, unleash their curiosity and imagination through a range of captivating creative workshops led by brilliant artists. This dynamic synergy between Martinhal and Portuguese artistic talents not only breathes life into our spaces, but also offers our guests an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating realm of Portuguese art and design.
Martinhal proudly joined forces with the visionary artist Bordalo II to present his latest exhibition, EVILUTION, celebrating his remarkable achievements as he continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Bordalo II’s art, repurposing trash to create breath-taking works of art, resonates harmoniously with the revitalization of the Park of Nations, and with the Elegant Group, by the founders of Martinhal Chitra and Roman Stern, who’s pivotal role in breathing new life into underutilized buildings is demonstrated by their transformative projects such as the United Lisbon International School and the Edu Hub itself, which serves as the perfect backdrop for this remarkable event.
EVILUTION showcased the essence of Bordalo II’s illustrious body of work, combining his signature themes and representations calling attention to environmentalism, with bold experimentation in scale and form.
