This project consists of a sequence of nine illustrations inspired by the works of some of the most remarkable voices in Portuguese poetry and literature. Drawing from the words of Carlos Mota de Oliveira, Fernando Pessoa, José Gomes Ferreira, Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, Egito Gonçalves, Mário Henrique Leiria, Luiz Pacheco, Ana Hatherly, Herberto Helder, Rui Reininho, Adília Lopes, Rui Zink, Nuno Artur Silva, Manuel João Vieira, José Carlos Barros, António Amaral Tavares, Luís Afonso, Luís Filipe Parrado, Manuel de Freitas, Henrique Manuel Bento Fialho, Renata Correia Botelho, Cláudia Lucas Chéu, Ricardo Marques, Andreia C. Faria, Francisca Camelo, and Francisca Bartilotti, the illustrations do not merely translate these poetic works into image. Instead, they follow their own visual narrative—one that emerges from the essence and atmosphere of the poetry, yet weaves a new story, independent but deeply intertwined with the literary inspiration.

Created using gouache on 300g Arches paper, these illustrations were projected during the poetic soirée Quintas de Leitura – O Poema Foi ao Médico dos Olhos, held on October 24, 2024, at Teatro do Campo Alegre. The event brought together an extraordinary lineup of poets, musicians, and performers, transforming words into an immersive sensory experience.

A heartfelt thank you to João Gesta for the invitation to be part of this unforgettable night, alongside João Pedro George, Larie, Margarida Monteny, JP Simões, Raúl da Costa, Rui Spranger, Mia Tomé, Isaque Ferreira, and Sandra Salomé.

O poema foi ao médico dos olhos
2024


Quintas da Leitura
Performance


Curator 
João Gesta


© Mariana Rio 2010-2025