The "MÃO/PORTUGAL “O verão”" exhibition, showcasing and selling works by three groups of creators that evoke the Portuguese summer, will be held at Fog linen work in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo from May 29th to 31st.


Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe, often referred to as "Europe's last countryside," and is a country known for its thriving handicraft industry, attracting a flock of artists from neighboring countries to relocate there in recent years. CASTELLA NOTE, a female duo captivated by the local craftsmanship and lifestyle after a trip to Portugal, presents the works of young independent artists who, through fieldwork, practice traditional craftsmanship and unique philosophies, in a pop-up format, alongside photographs they've taken on the island. Visiting artisans and living locally in Portugal, they are astounded by the abundance of "there's nothing, yet everything." Every necessities of daily life, from wine and bread to prosciutto, are homemade. In the north, they live with their sheep, spinning yarn and knitting from the wool while working on the farm, while in the south, they weave baskets. This lifestyle remains commonplace in the countryside.

The handmade items born out of this lifestyle, where people make things with their own hands, repairing and reusing what they have, are somehow rustic and have a texture that strongly reflects the warmth and feel of the hands. A simple life that cherishes everyday life with family and friends, and creativity that is born from limited resources. This spirit has been passed down to young people, and is particularly at the heart of the craftsmanship of young artists. The "MÃO/PORTUGAL" exhibition began in December 2016 with the aim of conveying this Portuguese lifestyle and landscape, and the craftsmanship that has been cultivated there.


This fourth exhibition features three brands. Ines Sobreira, an accessory designer, is being introduced in Japan for the first time. Her worldview, knitted from silver thread, is somehow poetic and soft, weaving the air and sometimes speaking from her small world with surprise.


MARGARIDA FABRICA has created a collaboration series exclusively for this exhibition, "COLEÇÃO MAR / SEA COLLECTION," which combines Margarida's translucent ceramics with the unique and wild paintings of her partner and husband, André. André, a sailor and artist, painted blue, starting with a whale, creating a summery piece.


Algarve Basket, a brand of baskets woven by grandmothers in the Algarve, the southernmost part of Portugal, features Isabel's "Cane Basket" and Odette's "Palma Basket." All handwoven baskets are made from natural materials, boasting a supple texture, as well as fun new designs perfect for the upcoming season.

Take this opportunity to experience Portuguese handicrafts and feel the "memories of Portuguese hands and the summer air."