ArtMajeur presents a selection of the best Contemporary Portuguese artists: Portuguese painters, Portuguese sculptors, Portuguese photographers, you can find both emerging and confirmed artists on the gallery.
While painters, sculptors and photographers from Portugal are the most popular techniques, we also have great contemporary works for sale in other techniques like collages, digital arts or textile arts. ArtMajeur gallery is very popular in Portugal because many contemporary artists use it to sell their artworks: collectors looking to buy art by Portuguese artists can find a great diversity of techniques, colors, styles and prices.
From Lisbon to Porto, via Amadora or Braga, Portugal has always been an interesting artistic breeding ground. Despite its small size, Lusitania has always been present among the academic currents and the avant-garde of the old continent. Whether they are sculptors, painters, engravers or photographers, many Portuguese artists have produced emblematic works, sometimes denouncing the pitfalls of monarchy or authoritarianism, sometimes the misery and poverty of their time. Grao Vasco, Nuno Gonçalves, Paula Rego, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, José Malhoa, Joaquim Rodrigo, Henrique Pousão, or even Maria Helena Vieira da Silva are all great names in Portuguese painting.
Contemporary Portuguese artists are renowned for their unique and captivating original artworks. These works are made using a wide variety of supports and materials, including canvas, paper, wood, and metal, among others. The use of unusual materials, such as plastic, recycled materials, and found objects, is also common. What makes these original artworks truly special is the innovative and creative approach that each artist brings to their work. Inspired by their cultural heritage and the world around them, Portuguese artists infuse their works with emotion, passion, and a deep sense of connection to their roots. From abstract paintings to sculptures and installations, these original artworks are a celebration of the human spirit and a testament to the power of art to inspire, challenge, and transform.
Contemporary Portuguese art has a rich and diverse history, with abstract and conceptual art playing a key role in the 1960s and 70s. Today, Portuguese artists continue to create original works that explore themes such as identity, memory, and the environment.
Contemporary Portuguese artists have been creating original artworks that have evolved significantly in recent years. They have been experimenting with various mediums, techniques, and styles to create unique pieces that reflect their individuality and cultural influences. The importance of these artworks in the contemporary art market cannot be overstated.
Contemporary Portuguese art has been gaining recognition on the global stage, and there are several Contemporary Artists who have made a name for themselves through their work with Portuguese artists.
One such artist is the American painter, Julian Schnabel, known for his large-scale paintings that combine elements of abstraction and figuration. Schnabel has collaborated with Portuguese artist, João Penalva, to create works that explore themes of memory and identity.
Another artist who has worked extensively with Portuguese artists is the British sculptor, Anish Kapoor. Kapoor’s sculptures often play with light and space, creating immersive environments that challenge the viewer’s perception. His collaborations with Portuguese artist, Pedro Cabrita Reis, have resulted in works that are both visually stunning and intellectually engaging.
The French artist, Sophie Calle, is known for her conceptual art that blurs the lines between art and life. Calle has worked with Portuguese artist, João Tabarra, to create works that explore themes of memory, identity and the human condition.
Finally, the Italian artist, Francesco Clemente, has collaborated with Portuguese artist, Julião Sarmento, on several projects. Clemente’s paintings often incorporate elements of mythology and spirituality, while Sarmento’s work explores themes of sexuality and desire. Together, they have created works that are both visually striking and intellectually complex.
These contemporary artists have all made significant contributions to the world of Portuguese art, and their collaborations with local artists have helped to bring the country’s vibrant artistic scene to a wider audience.
Contemporary Portuguese artists have created a vast range of original artworks that showcase their talent and creativity. Some of the most well-known artworks are:
"The Dancer" by Joana Vasconcelos (2018) - This sculpture of a ballerina, made entirely out of stainless steel pots and pans, captures the grace and movement of dance while also commenting on gender roles and domestic labor.
"Untitled" by Julião Sarmento (1980) - This abstract painting, created during the artist’s early years, features bold brushstrokes and a monochromatic color scheme, evoking a sense of tension and energy.
"The Last Supper" by Pedro Cabrita Reis (1991) - This installation piece features a long table with a single chair, surrounded by walls of metal and glass. The starkness of the setting invites contemplation on themes of loneliness, isolation and the human condition.
"The Forest" by Paula Rego (1995) - This series of paintings depicts a surreal world of dark forests and mythical creatures, reflecting the artist’s interest in fairy tales and the subconscious mind.
"The Swimming Pool" by Vasco Araújo (2003) - This video installation features actors reenacting scenes from a famous novel, juxtaposed with images of a swimming pool and underwater shots. The work explores memory, identity and the fluidity of time.
These artworks, among many others, showcase the diverse and innovative approaches of Contemporary Portuguese artists, who continue to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.
