Sombras Brancas I 

Lourdes Castro created 'Sombras Brancas I' using acrylic paint on fabric. Castro emerged as an artist in Portugal during a period of political repression under the Salazar dictatorship, which gives 'Sombras Brancas I' an interesting context. Castro’s work often explores themes of absence and presence, and in this piece, the shadows of plants become a focal point. The use of soft colors and the delicate rendering of the botanical forms evoke a sense of fragility and transience, a certain melancholic beauty. The interplay between light and shadow can be interpreted through the lens of identity, revealing hidden aspects. In Castro's words, "Shadows are the memory of things." The piece is more than just a still life; it’s a reflection on time, memory, and the subtle yet profound aspects of everyday life. It reminds us of the importance of seeing beyond the surface, of appreciating the unseen elements that shape our experiences and understandings.