A collection of handkerchiefs paying tribute to the powerful women in my family. Together they form an installation that tells stories of family, feminism, and my Portuguese roots. The work explores my search for a bicultural identity and gives space to stories that often remain unseen
Inspiration
Lenços de Força means Handkerchiefs of Strength in Portuguese. Inspired by Lenços de Amor, I felt it was important to break the cliché that ties women to love, and instead make space for stories of strength. At a time when there was little room for this, the handkerchief became a form of expression for women, with intimate words embroidered in stitches and colors. This form of storytelling moved me deeply and grew into an ode to the women in my family.
Stories
In my work, I tell the stories of five women, including myself. They all know me, and I know them: my great-great-aunt Rosinha, great-aunt Timila, grandma Tonita and my mother Filipa. Their stories are interwoven with the history of Portugal, where the first three women lived under the fascist Estado Novo regime. In a society where women are finally seen more today, I want to shed light on the stories of the past. After all, they planted the seeds that allow me now to grow like a wildflower, wherever I choose. This work is an ode to their strength, interwoven with love, history, and feminism. I hope to invite others to reflect on their own (bi)cultural identity, and how it shapes them.
Materiality
I am intrigued by bringing different materials and techniques together. I tell stories through a photo archive, ceramics, and various textile techniques such as embroidery and felting. Reusing leftover materials is also an important aspect of my practice. For example, in felting I incorporate waste material that comes from tufting with wool, giving the material a new life.
