Dossier presentation

Abstract

The origin of this Dossier dedicated to Zulmiro de Carvalho—one of the foremost figures of Portuguese sculpture—arises from a gesture that is simultaneously simple and profound: the public recognition of a body of work and the reunion of a community with one of its own. The inauguration of Pórtico do Rio, conceived by the sculptor for the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Clube Naval Infante D. Henrique, generated a wave of sharing on social media. Among the many comments that circulated, the one by Professor Mauricius Farina, editor of Revista Visuais, stood out. His praise of the sculptor became the starting point for a conversation that quickly evolved into an editorial project. My reply, suggesting the possibility of writing an article on the work in partnership with a colleague, immediately resonated with Mauricius Farina, who generously broadened the horizon by proposing that the text should become the nucleus of a Dossier, inviting us to open space for other authors. Thus, this journey began. I use the word journey deliberately. Since childhood, I have been connected to the Clube Naval Infante D. Henrique, first as an athlete and now as a board member—an institution of which Zulmiro de Carvalho is also a member, maintaining a relationship of affection with the Club that accompanies his own biography: he was born very close by, grew up by the river, and the invitation to create a sculpture dates back to 2008. Only now, however, were the conditions in place for the project to be realized, significantly coinciding with the Club’s centenary. The right time always finds its form. For everything there is a time, and this was the time to cast bread upon the waters.

Cover image: Marta Strambi, The Rabbit’s Doubt, 2020, porcelain and iron.