At the end of the 18th century, the Cordoaria in Lisbon made ropes and sails for the navy and the fleet that traded with Brazil and Africa. In this historic building facing the Tagus River, the ARCOd fair has a special focus on contemporary art from Africa, with a significant presence from countries such as Angola, Mozambique and South Africa. If ARCOMadrid's strength is the bridge with Latin America, Lisbon's is Africa.
In its sixth edition, the fair grows more than 30%: it goes from 65 galleries in 2022 to 86 from 23 countries (a third comes from Portugal). «In Lisbon more and more galleries are opening or offices of other international ones are inaugurated. ARCO gives voice to what is happening in this scene. The Iberian core is the strongest at the fair, we want to show the wealth of Portuguese art from its context”, highlights the director Maribel López. From Portugal, a large female representation stands out with artists such as Mónica de Miranda, Manuela Pimentel, Mané Pacheco, Maria Condado...
Unlike the colossal fair in Madrid, the one in Lisbon is a more relaxed proposal, with a reduced format, which stands out for the aesthetics (and beauty) of the Cordoaria. «Lisbon has a great charisma and space marks a lot. The contents are different from those of Madrid, otherwise it would not make sense, “says López. In Lisbon there are the mythical Spanish galleries (there is no ARCO without Juana de Aizpuru, Helga de Alvear or Elvira González) and the emblematic Portuguese ones such as Bruno Múrias, Madragoa or Vera Cortês. But the differential point is provided by the galleries with an African connection: some have double headquarters (the Angolan This is not a White Cube and Movart); others come from Morocco (African Arty and Atelier 21), South Africa (Afronova and Guns
In recent years, the Portuguese capital has positioned itself as one of the most attractive cities on the art circuit with the arrival of artists from all over the world attracted by the climate, affordable rents, an advantageous tax policy and a vibrant alternative scene.
«It was a great decision to come to Lisbon. There is a very strong collecting tradition here. In addition, there are the new Lisboners, a phenomenon that began a few years ago with French and Brazilians who settled in the city. Now there is a large group from the United States. New people constantly arrive and it is a very important element for the fair”, explains Maribel López. That multicultural Lisbon is what gives ARCO its character.
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