Showcasing the work of international and local artists, it is 20 years since Galeria Côrte-Real was established in the Algarve. With outlets in Olhão and Paderne, the gallery has acquired a reputation for promoting exquisite and contemporary fine art.
The current display of paintings by the Spanish artist Juan Gulan is influenced by the architecture of Al-Andalus. This medieval Moorish kingdom today known as Iberia left an imprint on Spain and southern Portugal. Arriving from North Africa, the Moors governed the entire area.
Over the centuries, they intermarried with the local people to the extent that some Spanish and Portuguese are descended from their Muslim rulers. Both languages are rich in words that are derived from Arabic and foods introduced in Moorish times are still popular today.
The narrow labyrinthine street plans of many old villages and towns are also Al-Andalucian in origin. In Spain, there are patios lurking behind great studded wooden doors that are similar in style to present-day Moroccan ‘riad’ courtyards. Once inside the door, the inner courtyard that is open to the sky provides shade and protection from the wind.
Juan’s own home in the old town of Ayamonte benefits from having such a tranquil space with a cool stone floor, lush foliage and a trickling fountain. In the evening, when fresh dense air sinks down into the space, it helps to cool the rooms inside the house.
The ambience of these indoor-outdoor rooms is frequently complemented by a water feature, an archway or some decorative tiles. Juan’s images often suggest who the occupants might be as he includes enticing clues hidden behind disregarded corners and in obscure passages. It is as if these patios are magnetic, compelling him to reproduce the atmosphere and images they contain.
Selecting the right time of day, his paintings make special use of shadows, placing them accurately to add perspective to the scene. This contrast between sunlit spaces and the shade creates three dimensional illusions.
Juan has depicted some of Spain’s most lovely patios. “I want to take the viewer of my paintings on a journey to a place where they would like to be,” he explains. “For them to experience some of the most beautiful patios located in the city of Cordoba where a competition, ‘Concurso de Patios Cordobeses’, is open to the public at certain times of year.”
The Moors were expelled from Portugal 250 years before they left Spain in 1492. Even then many skilled artisans remained behind creating a new unique style of architecture known as ‘mudéjar’. This explains why it is rare to see grand buildings in Portugal similar to the Alhambra and houses with patios built around open courtyards.
Nevertheless, the architectural legacy of the Moors is still significant and can be observed in Portugal. Some buildings include decorative features such as keyhole arches, wrought iron grills, whitewashed walls and geometric patterns. The Neo-Moorish architecture of Loulé’s market is a prime example.
As seen through the eyes of Juan Gulan: to experience the patios typical of Al-Andalus visit Côrte-Real where a series of wonderful paintings is on display.
- Côrte-Real’s recently opened showroom – Casa Amor Boutique Hotel, Olhão. Open: Thursday to Saturday – 10am to 2pm.
- Also at Galeria Côrte Real in Paderne, signposted from Boliqueime, Ferreiras and Paderne. Open: Thursday to Sunday – 11.30am until 4.30pm.
Contact: 961 528 679
By Carolyn Kain
