"Roots" is the new painting exhibition at Taguspark

There's a new exhibition at Taguspark that explores the idea of roots, both literally and abstractly, nature and the role of women in society. "Roots", a set of around two dozen paintings by the young artist Emma Santos, will be on show at the Taguspark Central Nucleus in Oeiras from July 7 until August 27, 2022. Admission is free.

In this collection of works, Emma Santos, just 19 and studying at Camberwell College of Arts in London, traces elements of her identity, such as her Portuguese roots, femininity and women's history, her connection with nature, her childhood and experiences of birth and death. In her paintings, the trees and roots themselves are metaphors or symbols for women, security and oneness.

"Starting from the idea of roots, this exhibition looks at the origins and personification of nature as a woman in many cultures. The natural world is often seen as an abundant source of resources, giving us life and comfort, and this relates to the way women are treated in our society, especially mothers, fertile and abundant entities on whom the burden of reproductive and emotional work in the context of the family falls," explains Emma Santos.

To the sound of Fado, which she listens to while painting, the artist uses narratives and images of women in art history and literature as references to paint her own experiences as a woman. "Daphne and the Laurel Tree", one of the paintings on show, is inspired by the ancient Greek story of Daphne, who turns into a tree to hide from Apollo, and works such as "The Cockerel and the Fox", "Portrait of my Room" and "Saudade" explore feelings of longing and cultural dissonance.

"Raízes", which will be the artist's second solo exhibition, having shown at the Grémio Literário in Lisbon in 2021 and in two joint exhibitions in London in 2022, can be visited until August 27, from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm (except Sundays and public holidays).

The presence of arts and culture at Taguspark - Cidade do Conhecimento is part of the context of MAU - Museu de Arte Urbana, which aims to promote critical thinking and is an invitation to reflect on today's society.