Territory, memory and identity—whose interrelationships are explored, primarily, through the customs of the people who shape the places depicted here—form the basis of this project’s focus on ‘three worlds’ of the city; these coexist and reveal their different layers, which are brought into alignment through photography and its analogue processes.

In an exhibition adaptation to another dimension of physicality – taking into account the materiality of the objects – as a rhythmic creative process, a workspace is recreated, where the materiality attached to the negatives and transparencies, combined with the light table, invites a discovery of the process and the genesis of the images.

Between fairs, trades and rituals, ‘Ver Longo’ is an exercise in prolonged observation of shared spaces in the city of Valongo, in a dialogue where past and present merge with memory and transformation.

This project was developed within the context of the event ‘MANIFESTUM arte de dizer 2024’ – programmed and produced by Exemplo Extremo, under the guidance of Nelson d’Aires.

“Drawing on the landscape and intangible heritage, connections of affinity are created between the dimension of the territory and that of photography, extended to music and the spoken word in the final presentation performance”, which took place at the Vallis Longus Cultural Forum on 16 November 2024.

This exhibition forms part of the

MIRA | Sala

MIRA | SALA project

MIRA | SALA aims to showcase photography projects – whilst not excluding other forms of expression – by artists who have the opportunity to display their work in a private space: a room used for workshops and meetings that opens onto MIRAflora, MIRA’s aromatic courtyard.

We wish to make the most of the space by providing an opportunity to present artistic projects. Public access is via the other galleries.

MIRA Galleries | MIRA FORUM

Directed by Manuela Matos Monteiro and João Lafuente

Communication by Manuela Matos Monteiro and Beatriz Vital

Sofia Sequeira Pinto (Porto) Independent designer and photographer. Having initially trained in Fashion Design, she is currently completing her degree in Communication Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Porto.

Her artistic practice is influenced by an interest in analogue photography and the practical processes associated with the darkroom. She seeks to explore how time, memory and visual heritage intersect in the construction of contemporary narratives, linking these with archival research. Her interest extends beyond the visual realm, where the relationship with music becomes a fundamental axis in her creative process, merging with design. This approach is evident in personal projects and collaborations with visual artists and exhibition projects – Designer of the exhibition ‘3+1’, at Espaço AL859, 2024; Designer and co-creator of the project ‘Paisagem Urbana’, 2023–24 (@paisagem__urbana).

@ _sofiapinto__