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.