Abandonment Narratives: artistic
documentations of changing Freixo
Author: Beatriz Duarte
in Curadoria de Enigmas Territoriais
Editor: Inês Moreira
Editorial coordination: Beatriz Duarte
Published by: Parábola Crítica
ISBN: 978-989-33-3204-7
2022
publishing researching; writing
Narrativas do Abandono: documentações artísticas do Freixo em mudança (Abandonment Narratives: artistic documentations of changing Freixo) is an essay that explores the Freixo area, in the east of Porto, tracing the cultural, social, material, and economic impacts of its rapid urban transformations. The region, marked by historical industrialization and subsequent decline, faces challenges of urban degradation and social exclusion. Recent interventions and strategic plans envision Freixo as a new urban expansion vector. However, the abandonment of the territory has sparked cultural, artistic, and activist responses challenging mainstream narratives.
The study introduces the curatorial project "Materialidades Persistentes," focusing on the work of three artists documenting Freixo's transformation. Bianca Stanea's "Aqui ninguém fica mal sozinho" offers an intimate portrayal of residents, emphasizing their stories amid social and urban changes. Isabel Castro's "Desplante" explores the ecological impact of invasive plant species, framing them as indicators of intertwined nature and culture. Martín Hernández Molín's "Sín Título" delves into the material remnants of the Central Termoeléctrica, reconfiguring them as an art piece.
These artistic endeavors reveal nuanced perspectives on Freixo's past, present, and potential futures, challenging dominant narratives and emphasizing the importance of considering microhistories, social sensitivities, and ecological dynamics in urban development. The text advocates for an ecological reconciliation approach, recognizing the coexistence of diverse narratives and materialities in the evolving urban landscape.