In the oldest parts of some Algarvian towns, it is still possible to see quaint and weather-beaten cottages that were built around a century ago. Still inhabited today – often by the older generation – there are likely to be a few flowers growing in a wooden window box or a hollyhock in a tub beside the door. In Portugal such a sight is considered to be ‘típico’. In English, the word does not translate as “typical” but rather quintessential, meaning there is a unique element that is peculiarly Portuguese.
With a more romantic view of what is ‘típico’ Fonseca Martins paints different sorts of images of Portuguese architecture; in his case selecting elegant windows, doors and houses. A tree branch might reach out across the window pane or a creeper will be trailing along the wall. The scenes are enhanced by nature and the buildings are gentile and simple in their style.
Like the owners of Galeria Côrte-Real, where his work can be seen, Fonseca eschews the trend for high-rise buildings, aluminum doors and window frames. Instead his paintings celebrate stone lintels and window sills, expertly carved and handcrafted doors, coloured and engraved glass panels. Alongside the architecture he uses mature plants and trees to enhance the whole.
A long term resident of Tavira, now in his mid-sixties, Fonseca has witnessed many changes. Fondly remembering his childhood, he explains that the most beautifully designed domestic architecture, as seen in the Algarve, is much different from the style that’s seen in Spain.
“Before the coming of the bridge, it was the River Guadiana that kept the two countries apart,” he says. “Building styles remained separate and we did not influence one another.”
As a youngster going by ferry into Spain, it must have seemed less like another country than another world. Gaudy tiles decorated Spanish squares and patios, whilst most houses were covered in filigree wrought iron. Lacking the graceful appearance of many Algarvian homes, the Portuguese style was by comparison understated.
Not so 500 years before when Portugal was one of Europe’s wealthiest countries and ostentatious architecture reigned. Culminating in the ‘típico’ Manueline style, edifices such as the Jerónimos Monastery and Coimbra University enthrall Fonseca.
Impressed by the grandeur of many classical and religious buildings he has created a series of semi-abstract studies featuring repeated images of Romanesque, Gothic and Manueline arches, pillars and windows.
Fonseca has been a professor at Tavira’s School of Art since 1981. During that time he has produced his own ‘azulejos típicos’, sculptures, engravings and paintings. His work can be seen in public and private collections across Europe, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Visit Côrte- Real’s new Pop-Up Gallery located above the estate agents ‘Fine and Country’ in Rua do Barranco, Carvoeiro.
The main gallery ‘Galeria Côrte-Real’ is signposted from Boliqueime, Ferreiras and Paderne. Open Thursday to Sunday, 11am until 5pm.
912 737 762 | www.corterealarte.com
Photo: Paintings by Fonseca Martins are exhibited at Galeria Côrte-Real in Paderne
By Carolyn Kain
