Developed from an artist residency held in Vila do Conde between April and May 2026, "Raw Rhythms" draws on research into the preservation of archaic dances and traditional crafts linked to maritime work, immersing itself in the cultural heritage of northern Portugal's Atlantic coast.

Between landscape, gesture and ritual, Cecilia Bengolea draws close to knowledge and practices passed down from generation to generation, questioning the relationships between tradition, memory and identity.

In this exhibition, I present twelve years of my practice in video, both in digital format and on Super 8. From my practice of the body's movement and dance to the movement of images, what has always interested me is rhythm, flow, the perception of time and the mutual influence between human beings and nature.
– Cecilia Bengolea

Raw Rhythms is a co-production between Solar – Galeria de Arte Cinemática, Batalha Centro de Cinema and Circular Festival de Artes Performativas. Admission is free.

Opening and Exhibition | Solar – Galeria de Arte Cinemática
19 September to 7 November 2026

The opening in Vila do Conde takes place on 19 September at 18:00, followed by the performance Bodies of Water at 18:30.

The starting point for this performance is a simple question: where does the body end and the landscape begin? Rather than occupying space, the artist enters a field of exchange. Movement becomes a means of dissolving the distinction between figure and background, allowing the body to oscillate between visibility and disappearance, individuality and atmosphere.

Until 7 November, at Solar, the artist presents seven video works that, in a sense, condense her way of thinking-making. They span a decade of work, from Bombom's Dream (2016) to I 600 Fili Spin and break free (2026).

See the full programme here.

Opening and Exhibition | Batalha Centro de Cinema
17 September to 1 November 2026

In Porto, the exhibition opens on 17 September at 19:30 and runs until 1 November. Batalha Centro de Cinema will screen three brand-new films, produced at the invitation of Solar – Galeria de Arte Cinemática and Batalha Centro de Cinema during an artist residency in Vila do Conde between April and May 2026: 25 de Abril with Rancho Folclórico ACD Mindelo (2026); Nicole and the Lonely Dorys (1968–2026); Moura Encantada (2026).