PARALLEL LIVES: Alina de Oliveira, Helen M. Mitchell

Objectification of the environment is a highly problematic symptom of how we, as a society, interact with the natural world, and how non-human species are able (or not) to survive. About Juxtaposing Alina de Oliveira’s enigmatic and thought provoking photographs with Helen M Mitchell’s “Lost Specimens” – vegan taxidermy presenting hybridized species of tomorrow – encourages a dialogue about our very existence on this planet, along with notions of truth & reality, and importantly our perception of all the “others” that too call the Earth home. Portuguese fine art photographer, Alina de Oliveira, remembers every action and location as a graphic reference. Colours, patterns and compositions. That is how she retains the world and life. A graduate from Portuguese Institute of Photography, London School Of Photography, New York Institute of Photography and Sotheby’s Institute of Art, she is a working photographer, as well as running MAD Marvila Gallery, where she curates a wide variety of shows highlighting both local and international artists. Graduating with a BA(Hons) in 1992 from Trent University, UK, British artist Helen M Mitchell’s utilizes research experience from previous careers in both marine science and advertising in her current art project “Lost Specimens”, an in-depth reflection on human’s pervasive influence on the Earth. With exhibits ranging from a solo show in Bali, to participating the Independent Biennial in Slovenia, this will be Mitchell’s first time showing in Lisbon.