The exhibition “the persistent illusion of time” is a new chapter of the collection “How many ways do you have to count time”, a collection that aims to provoke a reflection on the notion of time, on the way it passes and the memories that left on us.
“How many ways do you have to count time” collection does not intend to be a nostalgic act (…but it can also be) it intends to be an observation/reflection on the experience we have with everything that surrounds us, an experience now even closer of “things”, a result, perhaps, of the drastic changes that these last two years have promoted in us and in the habits and routines that mark the pulse of our time.
In this exhibition, a series of paintings, seek to explore the repetitive side of time and the sense of the past of our existence in parallel with the ticking of the clock that ambiguously marks our present, a second, always, before the future.
Welcome to the exhibition “the persistent illusion of time”.
“The distinction between past, present and future is nothing but a firm and persistent illusion.”
Albert Einstein
Paulo Canilhas
1969, Almada.
Advanced Course in Visual Arts, AR.CO – Center of Art and Visual Communication.
Attended several courses related to visual arts.
Worked one year in an Artistic Residence in the studio of the sculptor António Júlio and, later, one year as Curator’s Assistant in a gallery of Lisbon.
His practice primarily focuses on painting and installations. Drawing and sculpture with aluminum – the preferred material for working in three dimensions, also feature in his body of work. Building objects, using hands, tools and primary materials are an intrinsic part of his works.
In addition to the absolutely decisive contribution made by AR.CO – Center for Art and Visual Communication, the “All-Around” exhibition (Loures, 2015) is a positive turning point in the way it has influenced and structured his creative process and the execution of the projects that followed.
Solo Exhibitions (short list)
2020 “Lastro” Galeria novaOgiva Óbidos 2018 “As pedras do caminho que faço” #2 Galeria Teatro-Cine Pombal Pombal “As pedras do caminho que faço” #2 Galeria Via Idea Azeitão 2017 “As pedras do caminho que faço” Galeria Solar dos Zagallos Almada 2015 “All-around” Galeria Municipal Vieira da Silva Parque da Cidade de Loures – Loures 2014 “Mind the Gap” Galeria MAC – Movimento Arte Contemporânea R. Sol ao Rato – Lisboa 2012 “Escuta(te)” Galeria Municipal de Exposições Palácio Qta. da Piedade Vila Franca de Xira 2011 “SOLIDUS” #2 Galeria Municipal Castelo Pirescoxe Loures “SOLIDUS” Galeria Municipal de Abrantes Abrantes 2010 “ORGANIC” #3 Galeria Fábrica Braço de Prata Lisboa “ORGANIC” Galeria MAC movimento Arte Contemporânea Av. Álvares Cabral – Lisboa
Group Exhibitions (short list)
2019 ‘Em Trânsito’ For.Ever Art Gallery – Lisboa 2018 Bienal de Cerveira Cerveira Bienal de Desenho de Almada ‘7 Traços’ Baganha Galeria – Porto 2015 ‘CONTRASTES’ 11ª Exposição Coletiva Shairart Galeria Shairart – Braga 2014 Exposição Coletiva 20º aniversário MAC. Galeria MAC movimento Arte Contemporânea – Lisboa 4ª Exposição Coletiva Shairart Galeria Shairart – Braga 2013 ‘Óbidos Art Challenge’ Galeria NovaOgiva 2011 ‘‘Vive-arte 2011’ Sala-Taller María Nieves Martín – Espanha 2010 “Lisbon’Angels” Galeria Paula Cabral. Lisboa 2009 ‘Something Different’ APW Gallery – Nova York ‘World of Imagination’ APW Gallery – Nova York “Festival do Amor” Museu Jorge Viera – Beja Galeria da Cooperativa Árvore Concurso de Desenho a grafite – Porto
Prize/ Mentions
2018 • Honourable Mention – Drawing – Almada Drawing Biennial – A jury composed by: • Filipa Oliveira – Casa da Cerca’s and Artistic Director – Almada Contemporary Art Center • João Pedro Cochofel – Visual Artist and member of the Administration of Diferença Gallery • Louro Artur – Painter, Teacher and delegate of Imargem 2014 • Prize – Sculpture – By the MAC Gallery – Contemporary Art Movement 2011 • Prize – Cultural Collaboration – By the MAC Gallery – Contemporary Art Movemen 2010 • Revelation Artist Award – By the MAC Gallery – Contemporary Art Movement 2009 • London Calling Finalist in London – England – A jury composed by: • Vanessa DesClaux – Assistant Curator of Performance, The Tate Modern, London •Tom Morton – Curator at the Hayward Gallery, London and contributing editor at Frieze• Francesco Manacorda – Curator at the Barbican Art Gallery, London
I am concerned about the individual’s relationship with society. It is in this context that I exist.
With some beaten path, I allow myself to observe in several directions, for a recent past or for the future still absent, where is what I am looking for, what has not yet happened. When I take a look at the past, I identify the social and personal nuances that have occurred and their direct influence on my work, and then, with anxiety, look for what comes next. In this process, I distance myself, criticize and try to evolve. Looking for more. Ever.
I am not a painter, I am not a sculptor, much less a photographer or director, but I am a little bit of everyone, I don’t have a favourite area and this allows me to navigate as free as we all should be. I will not achieve perfection in either of these areas, I am as sure of that as I am sure of knowing that this is not what I am looking for, but I will do a lot in both, I will challenge myself a lot, I will provoke a lot … as I always try to do.
With my work, I try to establish a contact between my reality and that of those who dedicate a few minutes of observation, and I look, of course, for the vanishing point that gives me the perspective of a differentiating dialogue for my artistic production.
In this society, the one I observe, super productive, is it still possible to be differentiating? … that’s the fuel that moves me!
