Art is a Matter of Consciousness

Artists: Alejandro Cesarco, Alighiero Boetti, Céline Condorelli, Fernanda Fragateiro, Filipa César, Gabriel Kuri, Joana Bastos, Juan Araujo, Julião Sarmento, Komar & Melamid, and Yonamine.

Curator: Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy

With a title taken from a stamp created and used by Julião Sarmento himself, the exhibition draws on the powerful axiom “art is a matter of consciousness”, a statement that, while seemingly self-contained, highlights and polarizes abstraction in favor of a questioning meant to unfold through dialogue between the artists, the public, and the museum space.

More than a conventional exhibition, Art is a Matter of Consciousness is conceived as a living space for learning and reflection, inviting an exchange of ideas about contemporary art. The selected works, displayed throughout the gallery, serve as the starting point for encounters and shared experiences, extending into a parallel program born from the close collaboration between the artists and the curator.

The curatorial selection of more than 30 artworks includes pieces not only from Julião Sarmento’s collection and features the artists Alejandro Cesarco, Alighiero Boetti, Céline Condorelli, Fernanda Fragateiro, Filipa César, Gabriel Kuri, Joana Bastos, Juan Araujo, Julião Sarmento, Komar & Melamid, and Yonamine. The public program accompanying the exhibition ranges from informal talks to theoretical seminars, art workshops, guided tours, and performances, among others.

Exhibition’s public program
The live events within Art is a Matter of Consciousness function as exercises designed to create a more seamless connection between artistic intent, critical inquiry, and creative practice while engaging with the exhibition. All activities take place throughout the exhibition period and within the gallery space. Most exercises accommodate around 30 attendees, while specific formats—such as seminars or workshops—are intended for even smaller groups. To secure a place, advance registration is recommended: bilheteira@pavilhaojuliaosarmento.pt

Upcoming events:

December 19, 2025, 5:30–7pm
Exercise #6, TALK with Marina Otero Verzier and Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy

A talk with the architectural historian and curator Marina Otero Verzier, conducted by Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy, about exhibition making as much as data centers. Their dialogue will interlace ideas around archives and spatial practices by various artists participating in the exhibition. Participation is limited to 30 people. The talk will be conducted in English. Registration

December 20, 2025, 11am–2pm
Exercise #7, SCULPTURE WORKSHOP with Gabriel Kuri

A sculpture workshop focused on self-portraiture led by participating artist Gabriel Kuri. While the program starts and ends at the gallery space, it will likely include a walk in the neighborhood. Participation is limited to 15 people. Workshop fee: 10 €. The workshop will be conducted in English. Registration

December 20, 2025, 3pm–6pm
Exercise #8, SEMINAR with Alejandro Cesarco

Seminar led by Alejandro Cesarco, a participating artist in the exhibition, with references to visual arts, film and literature, and a focus on nonfigurative portraiture. Participation is limited to 20 people. The seminar will be conducted in English. Registration

January 31, 2026, 5:30–7pm
Exercise #9, CONFERENCE with Alexis Vaillant

Learn about a timeless work by Alighiero Boetti in the collection of Julião Sarmento with A Time of One’s Own, a lecture by writer and curator Alexis Vaillant. Participation is limited to 30 people. The lecture will be conducted in English. Registration

February 4, 2026, 1–3pm
Exercise #10 with Joana Bastos and Sara Martins

For Art is a Matter of Consciousness, Joana Bastos has been commissioned for three ‘services’ she developed in recent years. This third and last service entails the artist preparing a Room Service for the gallery’s maintenance worker, Sara Martins. Private service. 

February 7, 2026, 5:30–7pm
Exercise #11, TALK with Fernanda Fragateiro, SIA Arquitectura, and Luiza Teixeira de Freitas

A conversation moderated by the curator Luiza Teixeira de Freitas, where participating artist Fernanda Fragateiro and SIA Arquitectura (Ana Cravinho, Inês Cordovil, and Sofia Pinto Basto) discuss their latest collaboration and other socially engaged projects. Participation is limited to 30 people. The talk will be conducted in Portuguese. Registration