PRE-INAUGURATION ZARATAN-ARENA

May 1st, 2025

AZARUJA

INSTALAÇÃO | JOÃO CAMPOLARGO TEIXEIRA

CONCERTOS | ANNA PIOSIK, JOANA GUERRA, DEMÓNIO ANTÓNIO,

NORBERTO LOBO, JOÃO MOURO TRIO

DJ-SET | ÁCIDA BLISS

Zaratan – Arte Contemporânea enthusiastically announces its inaugural artistic project in the historic Azaruja bullring, in Évora: a light installation by João Campolargo Teixeira specifically conceived for the outer perimeter of the arena.

As the term “face” or “façade” is no longer appropriate to describe a round structure, to locate the artist's intervention site we must refer to the traditional division of bullring sectors, based on sun exposure: the stands were divided into Sombra (Shade) seats, the most important and consequently the most expensive, and Sol (Sun) seats, the most popular.

João Campolargo Teixeira's project is positioned on the Sol side, both physically and conceptually, establishing a bridge with orality and the universe of collective narratives. The concept of "rumor," central to this intervention, evokes the immaterial dimension of popular stories and their ability to propagate and transform over time.
Against the backdrop of the ruined building, João Campolargo launches a demand in capital letters that establishes an ironic, direct, and self-reflexive reference to the rehabilitation process, echoing the murmurs and expectations regarding the building's future. Conceived in 2019 by Zaratan and approved by the Évora City Council in 2022, this project, which aims to transform the Azaruja bullring into a cultural center, intends to trace new artistic centralities and return to the public a building that is cultural and architectural heritage.

João Campolargo's light installation aims to illuminate the bullring and generate a reflection on its future. Turning on a light transcends the physical act, becoming a powerful symbol of transformation, which hopes to trigger a collective reflection and signal Zaratan's commitment to fostering playful interaction, participation, and dialogue between artists and the community.

To complement the opening of João Campolargo's installation, Zaratan presents 5 live concerts: the virtuoso guitar of Norberto Lobo, the highly danceable sounds of the João Mouro Trio, the immersive visual and sonic landscapes of Demónio António, the improvisations of trumpeter Anna Piosik, and the musical experimentations of Joana Guerra with cello and voice.

The festivities begin around the bullring, in Largo Doutor Barahona, with food and drinks, and move to Fábrica Catalã, at Rua José Perdigão nº17. We close the celebrations with an eclectic DJ set by Ácida Bliss.

A special thank you to Fábrica Catalã, which provided essential advice and logistical support, warmly welcoming the Zaratan team and the artists involved in Azaruja, making this project possible.

SUPPORT | Zaratan is a structure funded by the Portuguese Republic – Culture / Directorate-General for the Arts and is part of the Portuguese Network of Contemporary Art. This project has the logistical support of: Fábrica Catalã, São Bento do Mato Parish Council, and G.U.R.A.

+ INFO | www.zaratan.pt | info@zaratan.pt | (+351) 967 580 235

PROGRAM:

16:00 ANNA PIOSIK | Largo Dr. Barahona / CONCERT

17:00 JOANA GUERRA | Largo Dr. Barahona / CONCERT

18:00 NORBERTO LOBO | Largo Dr. Barahona / CONCERT

19:00 JOÃO CAMPOLARGO TEIXEIRA | Largo Dr. Barahona / INSTALLATION

20:00 DEMÓNIO ANTÓNIO | Fábrica Catalã / CONCERT

21:00 JOÃO MOURO TRIO | Fábrica Catalã / CONCERT

22:00 DJ ÁCIDA BLISS | Fábrica Catalã / DJ SET