“Toy Stories” union between art and sustainability
Unprecedented exhibition in Portugal alerts to the importance of International Recycling Day
For the first time in Portugal, the famous London artist Robert Bradford brings his colorful sculptures with a strong environmental component. For the exhibition in Amoreiras, he recreated the Galo de Barcelos, made with toys, poker chips, and ice cream sticks, among other unusual materials.
Today, International Recycling Day is celebrated, which raises awareness of the importance of the correct disposal of waste, in particular plastics. Taking place at the Amoreiras Shopping Center, the “Toy Stories” exhibition touches on this theme, which is so fundamental today, by bringing striking and colorful sculptures, created from discarded and recycled plastic objects, mainly toys, in an unprecedented exhibition by Robert Bradford. For the first time in Portugal, this international artist is presenting a sculpture measuring around 2 meters, designed specifically for this show, inspired by a well-known national symbol – the Galo de Barcelos.
This exhibition features 14 works of art, 11 of which are colorful and fun sculptures, created with irony, positive energy, and a strong environmental message. Among animals, angels, and soldiers, in this exhibition, there are dogs, monkeys, kangaroos, and elephants, among other pieces, available for visitation until June 11th.
The artist has developed his own construction method, where he uses a variety of plastic toys, such as dolls, cars, puzzle pieces, among others, to create unique sculptures. Some of his works contain 3,000 toy pieces and are worth around €20,000. Regarding the Galo de Barcelos de Bradford, made exclusively for this exhibition, between 1,500 and 2,000 pieces of wood and plastic were used, from toys, poker chips, and ice cream sticks, among other objects.
There are also three paintings by the artist from the “Trash Art” series, the result of his most recent two-dimensional work, incorporating recycled materials, such as cut-out recycled drawings or retro postcards.
For Amoreiras Shopping Center, this impressive exhibition “represents a unique opportunity for visitors to the mall to experience contemporary art in a place with public access and high circulation. An art exhibition of this magnitude, bringing this internationally recognized artist to national soil for the first time, is innovative and original, as it extends the reach of art beyond the traditional spaces of galleries and museums, making it more accessible and inclusive for an audience diversified.”
Bradford’s exhibition at Amoreiras aims to encourage dialogue on important issues, such as sustainability and the use of recycled materials in other formats. In this way, it enriches the cultural experience of shopping mall visitors with an unprecedented exhibition in the country, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate contemporary art in an original and innovative way.
With a degree in painting and a master’s degree in cinema from the Royal College of Art, Robert Bradford is a 77-year-old British artist who has worked in areas as diverse as mental health or cinematographic arts.
His work in art therapy inspired him and gave him a new perspective and vision of life, which led him to reuse toys and waste, giving them a new form and meaning. This innovative artist always liked to use used materials that have their own history, such as books, magazines, old wood, and tree waste, among others, and toys turned out to be an extension of that, always having a strong awareness of environmental preservation. When, in his studio, he discovered an old box of toys and started putting them together, he started what would become his current exhibition “Toy Stories”.
Alongside this exhibition, Amoreiras Shopping Center decided to embrace a solidarity initiative with the same theme. Until May 31, the mall will collect toys, games, and books, in good condition, to offer to children and young people from the Youth Promotion Center – Casa da Estrela. Toys can be placed in the receptacle installed next to the Information Desk. The delivery of the collected goods will be made on World Children’s Day, celebrated on June 1st.
Curated by State of the Art (SOTA), Amoreiras Shopping Center aims to captivate the attention of all its visitors, not only through the impact and dazzle of these works but also through sustainability and environmental awareness, calling for the reuse of toys and conscious and ecological consumption.
About Amoreiras Shopping Center
Inaugurated in 1985, Amoreiras Shopping Center is Lisbon’s leading shopping center, standing out for its innovation and pioneering spirit. Winner of the most recognized Portuguese architecture award, the Valmor Prize, Amoreiras Shopping Center offers an exclusive offer of major national and international brands, with a total of 238 stores and a vast dining area, with a wide variety of choices. It is the ideal space for those looking for the pleasure of shopping and enjoying moments of entertainment.
Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the conditions of access, confirmation of the date or time, tickets place of sale, price, and availability.
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