Pixel International Conferences

The cultural wealth of Barcelos (in the north of Portugal) is an inexhaustible motivation for academic production, critical thinking, and experimentation. In this communication, we intend to present the manifestations, cultural productions, and festivities of the region, namely, the Barcelos figurado, a certified artisanal product, with high relevance in the artisanal activities of the municipality. We will discuss, among others, the work of the artist Rosa Ramalho (1888-1977), an artisan who influenced generations in the production of popular art, but also of erudite art, and has been invited to sessions with students from the Oporto School of Fine Arts. In fact, the morphological potential of this figurado as a transport of a load that is simultaneously realistic and imaginary, representative of the community but at the same time stylized, inspired both the artisan and the plastic artist, as well as, later, the designer. Between the religious and the pagan, between the figurative and the symbolic, the history of the figurado lends itself to multiple approaches, whether from a scientific, artistic, and patrimonial point of view.

Considering the imagery universe of Barcelos figurado, ​​there were several actions developed in recent years by the Higher School of Design for its dissemination, but above all for its valorization among students and the artisan community. The recognition of tangible and non-tangible heritage has also been ensured in productions and applied research projects at the level of graphic design, illustration, and animation that we intend to present. Examples are the production of PARLA posters and the MOTIRÔ project, both in partnership with PUC in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Both with the objective of mapping local traditions and their representations. In the local context, projects were developed in class, in partnership with the local autarchy and artisans, where solutions were found to problems related to the products of these artisans, more specifically, the design of communication, packaging and other supports that help in the dissemination of this 'identity' so unique of this region.

*Instituto de Investigação em Design, Media e Cultura ID+, Barcelos, Portugal
 Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Escola Superior de Design, Barcelos Portugal