Mural in homage to Nuno Júdice, by BIGOD
Date: September 18 until 21, 2024
Location: Escola Básica José Sobral, Mexilhoeira Grande, Portimão
Sponsor: Junta de Freguesia de Mexilhoeira Grande
Biography
João Domingos, artistically known as BIGOD, was born in a small village in the municipality of Almeirim, where rural life and tradition are closely intertwined. This environment deeply rooted in the land and ancestral practices has become the main source of inspiration for his artistic work, where he explores the fusion between past and present, bringing new life to rural memories through a contemporary language.
BIGOD uses a variety of materials such as photographs, newspaper clippings, memories and conversations to weave visual narratives that capture the essence of the communities where he lives and works. His art faithfully portrays the way of life, working habits and daily life of local people, immortalising moments and practices that define Portugal’s rural identity.
Colours play a crucial role in BIGOD’s work and are chosen based on the specific environments of the places where he develops his projects. This colour palette is meticulously integrated into his compositions, enhancing the authenticity and liveliness of the scenes portrayed. Using the stencil technique, BIGOD manages to reproduce final images with a unique precision and style that blends the rusticity of the past with the aesthetics of the present.
His work celebrates Portugal’s rural roots and offers a reflection on the evolution of traditions and the preservation of collective memory. With each piece, BIGOD invites the viewer to immerse themselves in a world where time seems suspended, offering a window into the simple and rich life of Portuguese villages. His art is a tribute to the resilience and beauty of rural life, becoming a bridge between generations and a means of preserving and valuing cultural heritage.