Advertimento

Advertimento started with a deep wish to preserve the memory of Bonecos de Santo Aleixo Traditional Puppet Show. These puppets, first performed in the early 19th century in the rural depths of Portuguese Alentejo Region, are an ongoing tradition transmitted for over 5 generations.

Aiming to collect the local memories of these special show (that still uses candles as set lighting) CIMAC Intermunicipal Community of Central Alentejo and Dramatic Center of Évora gathered a film crew, the show’s performers and an illustrator to hit the road in search for the history of this theatre treasure.

Out of 2 years of anthropological research and field work, a 90 minute movie, 20 life performances around the country, a scrap book of the full project and 100 plus life portraits of the people interviewed during the project.

Involved with the filming process, the idea to make life portraiture during the interviews came from the need to find a warmer way to spark memory and conversation. 

The series of life portraits, done with gouache, were directly inspired by the original Bonecos de Santo Aleixo vernacular graphic style. In a project celebrating the memory and identity of this cultural landscape we found it appropriate to make the project contributors part of this ancient family of puppets. 

A collection of black and white illustrated portraits of diverse people with different facial expressions and hairstyles, set against a beige background.
Hand-drawn illustration of a white skull with black details, a black lipstick mark on the chin, and a black graphic resembling a bomb. The skull wears a checkered shirt and has a napkin or cloth with text underneath, which is partially visible.
A collection of nine black-and-white artistic portraits of diverse individuals on a beige background, each with unique facial features, hairstyles, and clothing styles.
Collection of hand-drawn portraits of people with diverse facial features and hairstyles, in black and white with a beige background.
A collection of watercolor portraits of various people, each with distinct hairstyles, facial features, and clothing, painted with expressive brushstrokes on a beige background.
A painting of nine stylized portraits of different characters, each with distinct clothing and accessories, set against a beige background.
A collection of hand-drawn portraits of various people on a beige background, with some names and notes written beside them.
A watercolor painting of a woman with closed eyes, black hair, and a dog behind her on a beige background.
A mural of hand-drawn black and white portraits of people on a beige background, with some faces wearing glasses or headphones and some holding papers.
A collection of stylized black and white portraits of women, each with distinct features and hairstyles, with handwritten names and descriptions underneath.
Collection of hand-drawn portraits of different people, each labeled with a name or title, created with black and brown ink on a light beige background.
Collection of black-and-white sketches of various people, some with handwritten Portuguese notes, on a beige background. The sketches feature different expressions and styles, including a man with glasses, a woman with long hair, and a person in a pl
A collection of hand-drawn illustrations of people with various expressions and accessories, accompanied by handwritten notes and questions in Portuguese.
Hand-drawn illustration of a woman with glasses, short dark hair, and a polka dot shirt, with her eyes closed, holding her hand near her face, on a beige background. The name "Antonio Paulino" is written above her head.
Collection of abstract, black and white illustrations of people with diverse hairstyles and accessories, some holding objects, set against a beige background with small white flowers below.

Casas Pintadas

Brooklyn Public Library