[Even the Strongest Insects...], 2006

This project represents my way of capturing the image of Lisbon personified from all the stories we hear and what we see on a daily basis in an attempt to show the classic Lisbon as present as ever. Without getting entangled in its traditions and its past but so enamored of all that is characteristic. As the basis of this representation are the stories and descriptions told by my grandmother and my mother of a family friend who I never got to meet. For the 'recreation' some letters and photographs were used, as well as personal items that went to our family.

She always represented to me the classic image of the "Bohemian" Lisbon  of the 30's and 40's. Through her photographs I saw the image of a woman so secure and proud in her perfect Lisbon home, but behind it all she seemed to have a bit of sadness and loneliness that she tried to cover up. Upon completion of this project I came across one of her letters from a close friend who described her as I imagined. Below is an excerpt: 

(...) dozens of women, young and old, artists or candidates, professionals 
conquerors - even poor and simple girls who every day awaiting the arrival of  
good news - all moving, rapid, panting towards the great place that is Parque Mayer,
where, like in the evenings of distant times, by the light of petrol lamps, butterflies
​and even the strongest insect burn their wings in contact with the fire. 
(...)
Buried in the maple, Alice Mendes sees it all. She feels that this is not her city;
the bohemian and the joy of living have died. But she forgot that she also doesn't leave
her home in search of other environments, because all the environments wearie
revolt her. She forgets that in thirty years, new generations have come, gone or
still live without respect for the traditions of the Bohemian, nor like to live, besides the
clothing care, hair treated and air lax and decadent (...)