The Imaginary Collection

The result of an intimate encounter between the collection assembled by Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian and the works of the artist Teresa Pavão, this exhibition brings to life an ‘imaginary collection’ woven together by material, formal and conceptual affinities. Drawing on a sense of fascination inspired by the Gulbenkian Collection, the exhibition brings together works specially created by the artist for this project, alongside other pieces from her personal archive and other collections. Distributed throughout the Museum, including in the two interior gardens, this extensive set of works bears witness to Teresa Pavão’s deep curiosity with regards to different materials, manufacturing processes, contexts, and the multiple lives of objects, spanning different eras and geographies. Consisting primarily of ceramic pieces, the formal refinement of the exhibition finds a particular eloquence in restraint, simplicity and purity of form. This set of works is complemented by tapestries and references to textile art, evoking another aspect of Teresa Pavão’s practice. It is no coincidence that ceramics and textiles are also two central areas of the Calouste Gulbenkian Collection, reinforcing the affinities that shape the exhibition. Open item in modal Open item in modal Open item in modal Open item in modal Open item in modal Open item in modal Open item in modal Open item in modal