A Generation of Baraças connected to clay

The art of the Barcelos potters embodies the apparent paradox of two distinct worlds: the real world and the imaginary world. In the real world, the potter creates and recreates. At the same time, he projects his daily life onto the clay through the representation of his way of life and the customs and traditions that make him a social being. While establishing this transposition, the potter breaks with the mere act and temptation of copying. The craftsman then frees his expression, flies into the world of the imaginary, and models his creations detached from moral, aesthetic and social canons.

This form of artistic expression has not undergone significant changes over time, but despite this evidence, potters have gained social status and much of their craftsmanship has been elevated to the category of art. In other words, despite being a collective creation, Barcelos craftsmanship allows some of its most talented creators to emerge and stand out. This is one of the many characteristics that we can observe in this exhibition dedicated to the work of the Baraça family.