A floresta de sonho 

Here we see Alberto Carneiro's "A floresta de sonho," or "The dream forest", an installation which entwines nature with culture. Carneiro came of age in Portugal during a time of dictatorship under Salazar. His work explores the relationship between nature and humanity, and is deeply rooted in his experiences growing up in rural northern Portugal. As such, his art often carries a strong sense of longing for a connection with nature. "A floresta de sonho" features tree roots suspended upside down from the ceiling, creating an uncanny environment where the natural order is inverted. Below, mirrored squares are interspersed with patches of earth, reflecting and distorting our perception of the space. This positioning of mirror and nature invites us to contemplate our place in the environment and reflect on the relationship between the natural world and our inner selves. The installation encourages the viewer to reflect on the intersection between the personal, the cultural, and the natural. The act of walking through the space becomes a metaphor for navigating the complexities of existence.