I painted this mural in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. Back then, I was reflecting on how we could still experience direct contact with nature—simple, beautiful, and regenerative. But I also saw a future pulling us further away from that vision: war, climate crises, economic instability, hyperconnectivity, disconnection, rising inequality, artificial intelligence, automation, virtual reality.

Now, in 2025, we’re still on the edge. The urgency to connect the dots and create change is stronger than ever. Can we change everything?

I still bet on love and empathy.

As paragens onde o tempo habita

As Paragens Onde o Tempo Habita is a series of mural illustrations created specifically to celebrate the designation of Couros as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While working, I immersed myself in studying the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Couros. Understanding the essence of this place—its past, its traditions, and the layers of time that shaped it—was essential to visually capturing its identity.

Fieldwork played a fundamental role in this creative process. Walking through the streets, observing the textures of the buildings, and absorbing the atmosphere allowed me to connect with the space on a deeper level. These firsthand experiences provided insights that no book or archive alone could offer.

This project reaffirmed the importance of thorough research in illustration. Once completed, the digital illustrations were printed and installed as murals, allowing the artwork to merge seamlessly with the space. By blending history, culture, and artistic vision, these pieces seek not only to honor the legacy of Couros but also to invite viewers to reflect on the passage of time and the stories etched into its walls.

Reading matters

In the summer of 2019, I embarked on my first illustration project for an interior space, painting directly onto the walls and ceilings of Menina e Moça Bookshop Bar in Porto.

Spending days immersed in the process, I let the space guide me, transforming it into a living canvas where literature unfolds beyond the pages. The murals celebrate the power of reading, paying tribute to Porto’s rich literary heritage. Inspired by many stories—Ana Plácido and Camilo Castelo Branco, the writer imprisoned for his forbidden love; Almeida Garrett; and the beloved cats that wander through the works of Manuel António Pina and others—the illustrations weave narratives into the very walls.

This project became more than just painting; it was about creating a space where books are not only read, but felt—a reminder that stories connect us, inspire change, and keep imagination alive.