The exhibition at Sagres Fortress brings together textile artworks inspired by the ocean, marine life and the natural world

The Centro de Arte Contemporânea da Fortaleza de Sagres is hosting Paisagens by Algarve textile artist Vanessa Barragão, an exhibition that explores the connection between the ocean and the natural world through traditional textile techniques and upcycled materials.

Bringing together works from different collections, the exhibition transforms discarded fibres into organic landscapes inspired by corals, marine life and fragile ecosystems.

Through the use of traditional textile techniques and repurposed materials, the artworks reflect the artist’s personal connection to nature, exploring the forms and textures of the marine environment.

The exhibition opened on October 24 and will remain on display until January 5, 2027, from 9.30am to 5.30pm at the Centro de Arte Contemporânea da Fortaleza de Sagres.

About the artist

Born in Albufeira in 1992, Barragão spent her early years exploring the Algarve coastline, developing a lasting connection to the ocean that continues to influence her work. She later completed a Master’s degree in Fashion and Textile Design at Lisbon University, where she explored the creative potential of yarn and tapestry, with sustainability and nature at the core of her practice.

In 2016, she relocated to Porto, traditionally regarded as the centre of Portugal’s textile industry. There, she refined her artisanal skills whilst working as a designer in a rug factory, alongside developing her own independent projects.

Her labour-intensive, three-dimensional suspended artworks, rugs and wall instalations have since gained international recognition. Using a wide range of traditional textile techniques, including latch hook, crochet, felt, weaving and fibre manipulation, Barragão creates tactile works that reference marine landscapes and ecosystems.

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