Carolina Piteira, contemporary figurative painter from Lisbon, Portugal. Blue monk, 2019. Photo © Radski Photo Studio
1.Tell us what you do and your beginnings.
I’ve been painting since I can remember. My mom is a graphic designer so I started playing with paint, colors and brushes from a young age. I realized painting was my life’s calling at an early age. I was 9 years hold when I broke my spine and had to spend 6 months lying on a bed. My only escape was through painting.
I started my career in London after graduating from the University of East London. Since I’ve been living between Lisbon, where I was born, and London.
2.What are your favorite museums in the world? Why?
I love to wander in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall. I will never forget Ai Wei Wei’s hand painted sunflower seeds installation or Olafur Eliasson’s weather project. I’m always overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the building and the visual impact of the pieces in display.
Also, when in London I always go to the National Portrait Gallery. It’s funny how everytime I go there I always find an extraordinary portrait and admire the artist’s technique while imagining the character’s story.
3.How important are social networks in your business? And which platform do you prefer and why.
Social networks are extraordinary tools. I used them to reach as many people as possible. Who would have imagined, a few years ago, that my work could reach Hong Kong or Los Angeles with a click of a button.
I mostly use Instagram. It’s super easy to use and I feel that it does a great job connecting artists and art enthusiasts, whether you are a lifelong collector or looking to buy your first piece.
4.What are your future projects?
I am preparing a solo exhibition during the Summer in London!
5.To create greater engagement among museums, artists and professionals, do you have any advice for cultural projects such as #MuseumWeek?
I believe that technology is a great facilitator of engagement and an indispensable tool for the art market and art world to grow. This has never been more apparent and necessary than it is today given the Covid-19 pandemic.
Virtual exhibitions are the alternative to art-going experience that will complement traditional in-person viewing. Right now, I find myself wishing there were more virtual tours, and of better quality, with more information and deeper experience.
Interview by Fabio Pariante, journalist
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Carolina Piteira on social networks: Instagram – Facebook – Twitter
Carolina Piteira (Lisbon, 1990) is a Portuguese painter who finds inspiration from travels and from the people she meets on her path to tell about faces, looks and some moments like those of Indian monks or animals immersed in their wild life. Each work is an experience which she translates into interaction with the public.
With strong colors and full of positivity, the production takes shape on different supports such as canvas and wooden boards. Peteira’s works can be found in many private collections around the world and she has exhibited mainly in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Greece. In 2014 the Portuguese Ministry of Economy appointed Piteira Ambassador of “Portugal Sou Eu”, to represent and support the Portuguese market as an emerging artist abroad. Carolina Piteira lives and works in Lisbon.
