Abstract
Though globally acclaimed for the appropriation of discarded materials and the reconfiguration of public spaces as admonitions for biodiversity loss, Artur Bordalo (b. 1987) has, in recent years, ventured his urban interventions as acts of protest, contesting the sociopolitical fabric of national territory. With incisive discernment of Portugal’s current events, the Portuguese artist, known as Bordalo II, summons awareness for the degradation of popular representation (Trash Talk, 2023) and contests the ostentatious political investments in mass events (Walk of Shame, 2023). The deliberate visibility of Bordalo II’s assertive discourse within institutional spaces unveils his role as a resistance agent, affirming his political intolerance (Common Trash, 2024). On commemorative dates or historical occasions, such as the 50th anniversary of Liberation Day, he imbues his manifestations with profound weight, reinforcing his political resilience to the echoes of authoritarianism and reclaimes freedom of expression as an imperative of reflection (Freedom - Probiotic Anti-Fascist, 2024). Bordalo II intensifies his critique of socioeconomic inequalities, confronting the housing crisis that fractures social classes by denouncing the political dynamics of economic speculation and the commodification of historic neighborhoods like Rossio and Bairro Alto (Monopolized, 2025). His advocacy for social equality manifests in symbolic interventions that challenge authoritarian systems, corruption, and abuses of power. Rooted in the public sphere, his praxis underscores the commitment to principles of solidarity and empathy in order to establish a fair, inclusive, and equitable society.
Presenters
Sofia RosaStudent, Doctoral Student, Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
Bordalo II, Interventions, Portugal, Protest, Sociopolitical
