Sofia Cravo – tragedy and nostalgia

Normally in exhibitions you can’t touch anything. Well, this is the first of many “barriers” that this young artist brings down. “My paintings are very tactile. I like people to touch them”, she tells us, quite naturally.

This explains why her paintings are often overlaid with a number of different “non artistic” materials. Powdered clay and stone, earth, birds’ feathers, lace and other organic materials, which contrast with the acrylic and oil paint. Nature is an essential element in the work of Sofia Cravo – who has even used a bird’s nest in a sculpture.

“I’m quite compulsive in the way that I work. I feel the constant need to create, to do things. It may be a spontaneous process, but I spend a lot of time seeking out materials”, she adds.

She’s visited sand factories (where cement is made) in the North of Portugal, looking for the best sand. She’s searched Aljezur for schist (metamorphic rock). She’s brought earth back from Greece – all of these elements are used to bring a third dimension and different significance to her work.

Louise Bourgeois (an artist and sculptress strongly influenced by surrealism, whose work tends to be surrealist and highly symbolic) is one of Sofia’s favourite artists. It’s easy to see why. Almost everything Bourgeois does is experimental.

In Sofia’s paintings, she also frequently writes by hand (using calligraphy) and sticks in publicity “cut-outs”, as a way of making everything more abstract.

Aside from the experimentalism, another very particular aspect of this artist’s work is the themes she chooses. They are influenced by the History of Humanity.

For example, the cult of fertility and pre-historic art associated to women are both very much explored by Sofia Cravo. Other than referring to the past, she’s also discussing her own female condition.

Bible stories, myths and legends from ancient civilizations are also a source of research for her imagination. A Jewish Star of David, or Christian crucifix is shown without complexes. “It’s not just for the aesthetic effect, but also for the symbolism that I may be able to give to a particular piece. The truth is that I always seek to create strong, expressive work”, she adds.

It remains to be said that certain aspects of folklore from the Minho region – with its colourful costumes and ancient jewellery – have also found a place in the personal imagination of this artist in ascension. “In a way, I like to view my painting as if it was fado as it often has a very strong message – tragic, nostalgic even”.

So, where does she want to go? “My objective is to be a painter. I’m not asking for fame. What’s important is that I do what I like, and be honest with myself and with others”, she concluded.

Sofia Cravo will be sharing the gallery with Gareth Thomas, Avi Cohen, Mikki F and Mariola Landowska. «Studio GT» is on Rua do Vale Formoso, on the road between Almancil and Loulé. StudioGT is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm.