Swallows celebrate Spring with artistic installation at AlgarveShopping

The arrival of spring brings another reason to visit AlgarveShopping , in Guia: the installation «O voo da primavera», created by artist Madalena Martins, focused on swallows.

The work offers a unique and immersive visual experience, with characteristics that evoke Portuguese culture and will be on display at the Center until September.

Composed of swallows, a symbol traditionally associated with loyalty, longing and returning home, the installation marks the transition from winter to the warmth of spring.

The work comes to life by projecting dynamic shadows onto the ground, making the installation even more immersive, as the swallows flutter to the rhythm of the wind. When the sun hits them, the shadows multiply on the ground, immersing visitors in this symbolic flight.

These migratory birds have a strong presence in national culture, ever since their representation in ceramics by Bordalo Pinheiro at the end of the 19th century. Today, swallows are a decorative icon, present both on the facades of buildings and inside homes, recognized throughout the country and beyond.

In this installation, Madalena Martins continues the concept “The return of the swallows”, created by herself and previously presented at the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum, in Lisbon, now taking it to the Algarve, through AlgarveShopping, but with a sustainable component.

Made from recycled black plastic baskets, used to transport fruit to the Paços de Ferreira and Vale do Sousa Prisons, the swallows are the result of a sustainable process developed at ICO, the workshop of the latter establishment, which included the participation of inmates from the unit.

In total, 100 baskets were transformed into these birds. This work not only enhances art, but also contributes to environmental preservation.

This installation available at AlgarveShopping is yet another celebration of the talent and creativity of artist Madalena Martins, who returns to the Center after having enchanted visitors with her sustainable Christmas tree , in 2024.

The new proposal continues her unique universe, where design and the imagery of Portuguese culture merge. Through an innovative reinterpretation of stories and materials, the artist creates works that awaken emotions, transforming objects and installations into invitations to reflection and sensory involvement of viewers, organically inserting themselves into public spaces.

«It is with great pride that AlgarveShopping welcomes the installation O voo da Primavera , reinforcing our commitment to promoting culture and art. With this initiative we want to inspire and involve the local community, providing a new way of experiencing art, in an accessible and impactful way», says Carla Martins, director of AlgarveShopping.