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Lisbon, Portugal |
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 Male Composite |
Individual |
Female Composite |
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Lisbon is Portugal’s capital and largest city and has a population of 3 million in its metroplitan area. Founded by either the Phoenicians or Greeks, Lisbon was later part of Roman Lusitania before being captured by the Moors in the 8th Century. Recaptured by crusaders in the 12th Century, Lisbon reached its peak of prosperity in the 16th century as capital of the Portuguese Empire, which included Brazil and territories in Africa, India and China. Lisbon ’s citizens are a homogeneous Mediterranean stock with minorities of Africans and Eastern Europeans. Portuguese is the official language but English and Spanish are widely understood. Following the revolution of 1974 and decolonization, Lisbon saw a sizable influx of Africans from its former colonies in Cape Verde, Angola and Mozambique. In recent years many East Europeans and Brazilians have also made their home here. Lisbon was a lot of fun. With the help of five friends – all video artists –we created quite a commotion on Lisbon’s main square with three of them getting locals to pose and the other two videoing the whole thing which leant a certain level of excitement and validation to the whole process. The composite faces were interesting – the male quite dark, almost Arab looking – representing the fusion of the indigenous Portuguese with the migrant workers from its former colonies in Cape Verde and Africa. The female face was lighter – most of the migrant workers are male – dreamy eyed and maybe a little sad – reflecting that quintessential untranslatable Portuguese quality of saudade. Photographer: Mike Mike; Assistants: Dina Lopes, Fausto, Paula, Filipa, Alexandre |
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| One poster is available for download: | ||
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© mike mike 2003, 2008 |
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