It is called “Coral Blanchado” and aims to illustrate “the deep connection with the common ocean between the artist and the Head Hans Neuner». A piece of tapestry by the Algarve artist Vanessa Barragão, «specially designed and made» for the Ocean, at Vila Vita Parc, can now be seen in this restaurant with 2 Michelin stars.
According to Vila Vita Parc, this piece of sustainable art, made with discarded and recycled yarn, consists of a “silent mix of natural white tones, creams and neutral colors with tree corals forming in loose and lifeless hanging threads”.
Within the work, the artist used «a totally new technique of implementing individual LED lights with reduced light».
With this lighting, the artist wanted to represent what is called «coral bleaching, which is caused by an increase in temperature that expels algae» and which is one of the «direct effects of climate change on coral reefs».
In the piece, the lights represent «little eyes screaming for help, slowly dying as the zooxanthellae alage [photosynthetic unicellular organism found in corals] is expelled».
This soft interior lighting system «will also create its own environmental effect without the need for a light projected onto the piece and all materials used within the piece are recycled, sending a message of sustainability».
«When I was in Porto, one of the times I came to the Algarve, we were invited by Vila Vita Parc to see the resort and I knew that it was at the Ocean restaurant that I really wanted to have my work installed, because it makes sense to have my piece in a place that reflects and balances my artistic practice», illustrates Vanessa Barragão.
«This is a unique piece, a very special piece and I want it to be in a special place. I feel that this piece is strong enough to improve the entire gastronomic experience in harmony with the interior of the restaurant», adds the artist.
The artist, who currently lives in Albufeira, is internationally known for her tapestries, rugs and wall hangings, «intensive and exquisite work, spread across several countries, with pieces commissioned by Heathrow Airport, the Kew Royal Botanical Garden or more recently acquired by the well-known singer Rihanna».
All the pieces are made using «textile techniques based on ancestral practices, such as closing hook, crochet, felt, weaving, embroidery and macramé, conveying an environmental message».
This collaboration «continues Vila Vita's mission to support and make known local talents at the resort and also aims to raise awareness of the fragility of this ecosystem today».
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