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Mixed media on paper #2 – The sensuality of two lemons

Nobody expects anything like this until it happens. It may not seem real, but it could be and we would like it to be. In true nonchalant Italian style: se non è vero, è ben trovato. These words come to mind when faced with António Dacosta’s painting Dois Limões em Férias [Two Lemons on Vacation].

An oil on canvas from 1983, its title, albeit unusual, tells us exactly its purpose. It is not always the case. However, this painting depicts two yellow lemons, side by side, in a refreshing blue environment, perhaps by a lake. According to Dacosta: “I have no idea how those lemons got there. They were not originally planned. […]. Paintings are always the deceived answer, they evade the intention.” We will never know the original intention of it. But the very existence of a painting that takes two fragrant lemons on holiday is the best thing that could happen to us. It shows one of the marvellous intents of the painting process: to make people see. Looking at this work by Dacosta, we can start to see again. Two lemons are as figurative and populating a summertime landscape as any of us. To be entirely fair, both lemons may be far more deserving of a holiday than many of us. Summer is a labour intensive time for these citrus fruits. Lemonades, salad dressings, late afternoon gin and tonics. Lemons also appreciate a breeze by the sea, or a swim in the stillness of a lake.

The two lemons in the bottom left corner pose together, with a natural charm, gazing out over the blue horizon of the lake. The greyish blue, almost the entire length of the canvas, adds a certain tranquillity to the scene. The lake looks effectively calm. From their position on the canvas, the lemons seem to be staring at the rowing boat with a human figure passing by. The oars are long and almost outline a horizon that adds even more flatness to this wide sight. A strange body can be seen in the background, in the top right-hand corner, perhaps a kite, since we are in the summer months.

The lemons with their strong yellow colour are sensual. They elicit sensations. The vibrant brightness with which they stand out lifts our spirits. It sparks happiness, releases citrus fragrance, freshens up the calm blue plane and gives it a energetic, cool emphasis. Summer is a time for lightness, and the emergence of these two full, radiant lemons brings a sense of freshness. The lemons soften the scene. This is a pleasurable painting, and one that suggests freedom. The lemons, who are free of worldly functions, and the painter, who cannot explain how they got there.

Dois Limões em Férias is an unusual, surreal, illogical work. But it gives satisfaction, makes one smile and allows us to take a glimpse of fine worlds and beautiful alternatives in the vastness of a blue lake. Although not real, we are glad it was invented. The best thing is that it can rarely be seen in person, but right now it is on display for anyone to see. Right in time for summer.

It can be found at MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, in Lisbon, as part of the exhibition Hoje soube-me a pouco. Until August 26, 2024.

Luísa Salvador (Lisbon, 1988) is a visual artist and researcher. She has a PhD in Contemporary Art History from NOVA FCSH, having been awarded a scholarship from FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology (2015-2019). She has an MA in Contemporary Art History from NOVA FCSH (2012) and a degree in Sculpture from FBAUL (2009). In parallel with this activity, she develops her artistic practice. She has been exhibiting regularly since 2012. She won the Young Creators Award 2018 in the Visual Arts category. Alongside her artistic practice, she also writes, including theoretical texts and chronicles. In 2018 she founded the quarterly publication "Almanaque - Reportório de Arte e Esoterismo", of which she is the editor. She lives and works in Lisbon.

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