“Witnesses by Hector Ramsay
In the exhibition at the Cascais Cultural Center, “WITNESSES”, artist Hector Ramsay leads visitors through the mysteries of the natural landscapes he depicts in his works. “WITNESSES” is an initiative of the D. Luís I Foundation and Cascais City Council as part of the Bairro dos Museus program and will be on show from September 27, 2024 to January 19, 2025.
Born in Scotland, Hector Ramsay (1959) lives between Italy and Portugal, with deep ties to Cascais. To compose the works he presents in “WITNESSES”, the artist sought inspiration in the landscapes and cultures of these countries and in pre-Roman mythological traditions. Through these drawings, Ramsay constructs a personal worldview on the natural elements that inhabit the woods he draws and proposes a meditation on nature and its silent characters.
In a series of 15 large-format works, the artist takes the visitor on an aesthetic journey that begins at the edge of the forest, advances through its deep center and culminates at the entrance to a megalithic temple, gradually revealing hidden presences and conversations. In composing the works on display in Cascais, which convey a real sense of three-dimensionality, the artist primarily uses charcoal as a material, which allows him to explore a wide range of black and gray tones.
Tommaso Ranfagni, curator of the exhibition, says that “this sequence allows Ramsay to generate a compelling narrative that immerses the viewer, evoking a supernatural atmosphere that, according to him, pervades the woods. The artist's unique practice intensifies the mysterious and fantastic aspects of nature, expanding the viewer's experience throughout the journey”.
The exhibition also includes works from the “FORMATIONS” series, a set of works created using pure pigments on paper and inspired by organic forms. In Ramsay's practice, “FORMATIONS” is the culmination of years of experimentation with fresco techniques. In the 6 paintings presented in Cascais, the artist explores the vibrant colors characteristic of this traditional method.
Find out more about “Witnesses” by Hector Ramsay: HERE
More information: 214 815 660 | geral@fdl.pt
Organization: Cascais City Council | D. Luís I Foundation | Museum Quarter