The public space in the work of Zulmiro de Carvalho

Abstract

This text aims to study, analyse and discuss the public work of Zulmiro de Carvalho, defining it as a series of pieces that are accessible, without restrictions, to the public, whether they are permanently or temporarily located in public or private spaces, outdoors or indoors, being free access and the presence of the work in the spaces where daily life flows the distinguishing features. The study of Zulmiro de Carvalho's public works therefore involves a twofold inquiry. On the one hand, analysing how the works are integrated into the public space. On the other hand, exploring how the public space is reflected in the works. While it is true that this dialectic is valid for all artistic productions that choose public space as their location, in the case of Zulmiro de Carvalho's public works, it is imperative to consider it, since the sculptor's work is eminently site-specific, insofar as it is from his vision and understanding of the place that the sculptor conceives his work.

That is why we chose to analyse all of Zulmiro's public works, from civil public sculpture to sacred art, thus enabling us to ascertain the consistency and coherence of Zulmiro de Carvalho's art.