João Gabriel returns to Solar with a significant solo exhibition, marking his first major presentation since his involvement with the CAVE project in 2016, where he showcased a series of acrylic works on paper.

Gabriel’s artistic practice is deeply influenced by a confluence of photography, cinema, and memory, but notably draws inspiration from the underground queer pornographic film movement of the 1970s and 80s. This era was characterized by unprecedented sexual freedom within the queer community, a liberation that was tragically interrupted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The resultant trauma established a persistent interplay between themes of sexuality and mortality. This dichotomy resonates through Gabriel’s work, particularly in his exploration of desire and the fragility of innocence.

In this new exhibition, Gabriel presents various works on canvas and paper created in 2024, highlighting themes of isolation and intimacy in expressions of affection. The artworks navigate the interplay between the public and private realms, the interior and exterior, and the natural versus the domestic. He employs an almost impressionistic approach to natural landscapes, integrating movement and figuration that unveils the alluring presence of human bodies engaged in various states of anticipation and relational dynamics.

This exhibition invites viewers to partake in these intimate vignettes, creating a voyeuristic experience that fosters reflection on the visibility of marginalized identities historically overlooked in mainstream narratives.

The inauguration is scheduled for November 30th at 5 PM. João Gabriel and guest artist Joana Hintze, also associated with the CAVE project, will participate. The event will include an open bar provided by DCN Beers and a DJ set, enhancing the communal atmosphere.

This exhibition will be on display until February 1st and is organized by Curtas Metragens CRL, as part of the Solar - Cinematic Art Gallery programming, with support from Vila do Conde Town Hall and the Directorate-General for the Arts.

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EXHIBITION | SOLAR
nothing remains the same, João Gabriel
30.11.2024 — 01.02.2025
Mon - Sat > 2pm — 6pm

OPENING W/ JOÃO GABRIEL + JOANA HINTZE

Caro Parrinha DJ set + Open Bar [sponsored by DCB Beers]
Sat> 30 nov > 5 pm — 8pm

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João Gabriel (born 1992 in Leiria, Portugal) currently lives in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. He graduated in Fine Arts from the Caldas da Rainha School of Fine Arts and Design in 2016. He has participated in several exhibitions, including: “I was looking at you and you couldn’t see me”, O-Town House, Los Angeles (US); (2022) “Por trás daquela janela”, Lehmann + Silva, Porto (PT); “Almost Blue”, Kunstverein Braunschweig (DE); “Nightfall”, Mind Set Art Center, Taipei (TW); (2021) “A place only we know”, The RYDER projects, Madrid (ES); (2019) “Don’t you remember why we came here for?”, The RYDER London, Londres (UK); “De noite, todos os gatos”, galeria do Teatro da Politécnica, Lisboa (PT); Art Brussels 2019, com a galeria Lehmann + Silva, Bruxelas (BE); “O lume dos olhos, a luzir no escuro”, Lehmann + Silva, Porto (PT); (2018) “A Permit for that Fire”, Galería Mascota, Cidade do México (MX); “My favourite things”, Galeria da Boavista, Lisboa (PT); (2017) “Sin título”, Galeria Vilaseco, Corunha (ES); (2016) “Paul & Bobby”, Sexto Grandioso Fim de Semana no Bregas, Lisboa (PT).. Em 2017, foi laureado com o Prémio Novos Artistas da Fundação EDP em 2017.