João Bailote Gallery in Albufeira hosts an exhibition by the artist Júlio Antão

The João Bailote Municipal Gallery, in Albufeira, will host, from Saturday, August 9th, at 3:30 pm, the exhibition «ARTE», by the visual artist Júlio Antão, born in Albufeira.

The exhibition, curated by Professor António Costa Valente, from the University of Algarve (UAlg), will be on display until September 6th.

Júlio Antão, who was recently awarded first prize at the "Colors and Shapes of Our Artists" Biennial, now presents to the public a new artistic proposal in which he reflects, in a critical and sensitive way, on the concept and function of art in contemporary society.

The “ARTE” exhibition is not just a display of visual works, but also a direct challenge to the viewer.

According to the curatorial text by António Costa Valente, "Júlio Antão's proposal is a manifesto of resistance and artistic intervention in the face of the paths of globalization that, more than democratizing art, imposed a pattern of superficiality and rapid consumption."

The curator adds that “ ARTE is a provocative and poetic wake-up call to what art can and should be: thought, confrontation, creation, liberation.”

Júlio Antão's career has been shaped by his strong connection to territory, identity, and artistic experimentation. With his own visual language and multidisciplinary approach, the artist invites the public to actively participate in the interpretation of his works, questioning the obvious and valuing the creative process.

Being a founding member and president, until 2023, of PAS – Peace and Art Society (Portugal) and honorary member of Gogyoshi Art Project International (Netherlands), as well as executive co-curator of the GAPI exhibitions in Portugal and Spain, he is also honorary president of the Art Committee of International Culture & Arts Federation (South Korea) and honorary member of the Nigde Fine Arts Association (Turkey), having also been a member of ArtNations (Germany).

In recent years he has exhibited his work in several countries in Europe, America and Asia.

The opening will be attended by the artist and the curator, providing an opportunity for the public to get up close and personal with the work of one of the most promising names in visual arts in the Algarve region.

Entry is free, and the exhibition can be visited during the usual opening hours at the João Bailote Municipal Gallery in Albufeira.