In a secret place, hidden from the hustle and bustle of the present day, Valentim Quaresma breathed mysterious life into art and presented a SS24 collection at ModaLisboa of unique pieces, sourced from various origins through upcycling.
Photos João Fernandes
Beauty Antonia Rosa and team using Clarins
Hair Helena Vaz Pereira and team at Griffe Hair Style with L´Oréal Profissional Paris
Words and interview by Monica Lopes
Each singlular work was a window to an inner world, a reflection of the creator’s life experiences, where the black, which characterizes the brand, served as a background to allow the pieces to shine, and the copper gleamed like old memories coming to life.
Upon entering the untitled space, viewers were invited to explore their feelings without prejudice. Each work was an enigma to be unraveled, a story to be discovered. Some found immediate meanings, while others needed to look deeper, like archaeologists of their own hearts. In this ‘untitled’ collection, the experience was personal and unique for each observer. Interpretations could be as varied if the viewer ventured to explore the artist’s world. This ‘nameless’ collection invited everyone to look within, to discover the secrets hidden in their own soul. It was a reminder that true art does not need a title, as it speaks directly to the heart, whispering secrets we all share.
ZOOT met with Valentim backstage to talk with him about his inspiration, please find the interview below.
Valentim about his collection…
No title, no premise, just the pure expression of the artist’s soul, a gateway to our deepest memories and feelings.
ZOOT: Hello Valentim, this collection has no title, and that allows each observer to have a more direct and personal experience of your work. To help us explore this fascinating idea, could you explain why you chose not to give a title to this collection? What is the importance of this?
Valentim Quaresma: Of course, it’s an important question. I decided not to give a title to the collection to give people the freedom to interpret. Art is a personal experience, and I do not want to impose a specific narrative. The absence of a title allows each observer to relate to the pieces in a more personal way, as if they were discovering the secrets themselves.
ZOOT: That is interesting. How does it affect the relationship between the artist and the audience?
Valentim Quaresma: The absence of a title removes a barrier that can exist between the artist and the audience. Instead of me telling people what to feel or understand, they can interpret the pieces in their own way. This creates a more direct connection between the viewer and the artwork, allowing each person to have their own experience, and I want to have that feedback, you know.
ZOOT: And what about the multiple interpretations of the works? How do you view this diversity of meanings?
Valentim Quaresma: The multiplicity of interpretations is a fundamental part of my vision for this collection. Many of the messages in the pieces are autobiographical and connected to memories and feelings. When people view the works and find personal meanings, it is like we are sharing secrets. The information overload in the pieces allows distinct types of meaning to be discovered by different people, making the experience rich and deeply personal.
ZOOT: Could you tell us more about the predominant colors in the collection?
Valentim Quaresma: Black, which is a color that is usually present. I dressed the mannequins in black so that the pieces could stand out. I am an artist who creates fashion. And then, some hints of color, namely army green and brown.
ZOOT: It sounds like a truly captivating collection. Thank you for sharing your vision with us today. Would you like to make any final comments about the meaning and experience that this collection provides?
Valentim Quaresma: My goal is that, by exploring this untitled collection, people find a connection with their own stories and feelings. I want each observer to dive deep into the pieces, as if they were unraveling personal secrets. This collection is a celebration of the diversity of human experiences and the richness of emotions we all share. I hope the audience has a unique and meaningful experience.
Thank you Valentim!
To boot…
Check out “A closer look” at AW23/24 here on ZOOT
Check out Valentim’s current SS23 collection here on ZOOT.
Get a look behind the scenes with our reel of VALENTIM QUARESMA’s show on ZOOT’s Instagram feed.
View the complete AW23 collection here at ModaLisboa.
Valentim Quaresma
@valentimquaresma | valentimquaresma.com
