In an intense afternoon of work, with many hours of exposure to high temperatures, photographers and models worked with photographer André Boto, in the premises of the Casa da Cultura Islâmica e Mediterrânica, in Silves, to create the images that would serve as a basis for all communication of the Medieval Fair of Silves.
Without sets, since everything would be set up digitally, the young models were being photographed with different clothes, in different positions and with different expressions.
This is the second time that the Municipality of Silves invites the young photographer André Boto, who lived in the city (where his family still lives, who visits frequently) and who is now a national reference, to create the image of the event. and international in the world of photography.
The artist explains that «in the production of the various images that make up the communication of the Medieval Fair of Silves 2015, strong elements/themes of medieval culture were used as a basis, never forgetting some of the main representative elements of the region of Silves (which relate to somehow with the season to be dealt with)».
Areas such as poetry, music, dance, writing, religion, customs and crafts were thus approached. «These are some of the themes that can also be felt in the experience of visiting the Medieval Fair of Silves», stresses André Boto, explaining the work he did.
In relation to the construction of the image present in the outdoor (which gave rise to all the remaining communication), the photographer points out that "no detail was left to chance so that the viewer's reading can be traced back to the period in question".
Thus, «from the production of the characters (clothing and make-up) to the use of accessories similar to those of the time, even in the end, we tried to establish a connection with the “medieval world”, with a simulation of ancient parchment rolling/running in return".
As this event is one of the current landmarks of the city of Silves, «allusions to the city could not be missing, with a wall of the Castle of Silves on the left side and an arch of the House of Islamic and Mediterranean Culture (on the right) serving as a background to the characters», he continues.
«Since this year's theme is happier, there was a greater focus on the presence of color, which makes a mark», concludes the photographer.
An important part of this work are also the extras who embody the image of the 2015 fair edition. All of them are natives of the state and most of them regularly collaborate at the fair, either as extras, performing other tasks, or even being in their stalls or in those of friends or acting as artists, such as Eduardo Ramos (musician) and Mónica Pereira (dancer).
“It is our people who give the face to this event that marks the city and the municipality, because they are the ones who live it during the preparation and during the days it takes place”, underlines a source from the Câmara de Silves. And who were these extras? They were: Eduardo Ramos, Bernardo Martins, João Ramalho, Mónica Pereira, Catarina Taveira Oliveira, Ana Cipriano, Tiago Pinheiro and Raquel Martins.
The work began, as usual in these cases, with the characterization, by Anita (Mariana Oliveira), owner of Salão Anita, who joined this work free of charge. The models were made up and combed, wearing clothes from the wardrobe of the Medieval Fair of Silves and some props given by Miguel Amaral.
Photographer André Boto has a degree in Decorative Arts and has several courses specifically related to photography.
He received several distinctions, including the 2010 European Photographer of the Year by FEP – Federation of European Photographers, that of MQEP – Master Qualified European Photographer, by the FEP, that of Ambassador for the International Year of Youth 2010-2011, under the umbrella of the United Nations.
Winner of several international awards, such as first place in the Nature Category of the National Geographic National Photography Contest (2009) or two gold medals, one silver and one bronze in the EFF European Professional Photographer of the Year Awards, in Belgium (2012), has had his works exhibited in several places, in addition to Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium and Denmark.
He guides workshops and trainings and has works of many natures, in which he collaborates with the most diverse institutions, whether linked to fashion, theater or culture.
His vast resume can be seen at http://www.andreboto.com/curriculumPT.pdf e http://www.andreboto.com/biography.html.
The Medieval Fair of Silves will take place from the 7th to the 16th of August, in the streets of the Historic Center of the city, between Porta da Almedina, the Cathedral and the Castle.
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