True Colors” Group Exhibition of Contemporary Art

by Ana Pérez-Quiroga, Carolina Caycedo, Claudia Andujar, Cristina Ataíde, Fernanda Fragateiro, Helena Almeida, Joana Vasconcelos, Mónica Miranda, Sara & André, Teresa Lanceta

“True Colors” is a group exhibition showcasing the work of contemporary female artists from various countries. It brings together a multitude of voices, perspectives, and visual languages to celebrate diversity, authenticity, and freedom of expression. Reaffirming the role of art as a powerful tool for questioning, dialogue and social transformation, the exhibition fosters the convergence of perspectives on universal and contemporary themes.

Through a curatorial programme that values the recognition of established careers as well as the revelation of new perspectives and innovative approaches, the Vasco Vieira de Almeida Foundation reinforces its commitment to conscious patronage and building bridges between different cultures, experiences and realities. By hosting this exhibition, the Foundation provides a platform for art that reflects on, questions and transforms society, thereby contributing to the creation of a more open, equitable and pluralistic world.

The title of the exhibition is inspired by Cyndi Lauper's 1980s song “True Colors”, a well-known anthem of self-acceptance, vulnerability and inner strength. The metaphor of “true colors” highlights the importance of revealing one's individual essence, transcending social constraints and affirming the freedom to be oneself.

In this context, colour emerges as a representation of emotions, dimensions of identity, and personal experience. The diversity of shades in the colour palette evokes multiplicity and subjectivity, reflecting the diversity that characterises the human condition. Thus, the exhibition can be understood as an allegory of resistance against rigid gender roles imposed by society throughout history.

The selection of works not only highlights the artistic objects themselves, but also the journeys of their creators: women who, through their life stories and experiences of adversity, represent the artistic voices of so many others; who work with the symbolism of colour as a compositional material; and who, throughout their careers, have produced work in support of the most vulnerable groups of women.

Through this group exhibition, the artists invite the public to consider the role of women within various cultural, social, and geographical contexts. Unfolding across multiple layers of interpretation and information, the exhibition interweaves beauty and simplicity with a critical reflection that echoes the spirit of the song from which it takes its name — a symbol of the courage and strength of women (and female artists).

Coordination and production:
Maltilde Horta e Costa, Board Member of the Vasco Vieira de Almeida Foundation and Corporate Affairs Director at Vieira de Almeida

Curation and design of the exhibition space:
Verónica de Mello

The exhibition is included in ARCO's official programme for Collectors