This painting by Manoel Barbosa, part of the Fine Arts Collection of the MAH and exhibited in the ante-sacristy of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Guia, constitutes a contemporary approach to one of the most recurrent themes of sacred art, the “Passion of Christ.”
The spirituality expressed in the title “Açores-Spiritus” is connected to the symbolism underlying the colors used. Deep blue, associated with mystery and spirituality, merges with the fiery red of divine fire, creating a dense, dark purple tone—the color of both suffering and royalty—which highlights the crown of thorns, stylized in gold.
Manoel Barbosa was born in 1953 in Rio Maior and lives in Lisbon. He dedicates himself to painting, performance, installation, and video art, of which he was one of the pioneers in Portugal. His artistic work is represented in museums, foundations, institutes, and private collections around the world.
Text : Ana Lúcia Almeida
