Artur Bordalo (Lisbon, 1987), a.k.a. Bordalo II, follows the motto “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Bordalo uses in his works recycled materials that have survived their original purpose, as a declaration of sustainability and ecological awareness.
The Racoon (2015)
“The Raccoon” is one of my favorite works from Bordalo II ( @b0rdalo_ii ) and my guests, while touring the Belem area, have the opportunity to appreciate this stunning street art installation. The Raccoon is made of parts of old cars.
This work was conceived to be seen clearly from a distance and becomes blurred when the observation point comes closer. In this small video, you may see the Raccoon going from blurred to clear as the tuk-tuk moves away, a kind of effect causing usually a lot of “wows” in the rear seats.
The Bordalo II raccoon can be seen in Belém, next to the CCB.
The Honey Bee (2016)
This bee can be visited in Lx Factory and is made of plastic ducts, shower curtains, car bumpers and wire nets.
The Fox (2017)
This fox is decorating the ruins of an old warehouse in the industrial zone near the river. This work is made out of recycled plastic chairs.
The Pelicans (2020)
The Pelicans of Bordalo can be seen next to the Santa Justa elevator, at the intersection of Santa Justa and Carmo streets. The materials used are plastics, rubbish bins, bumpers and other car parts, construction material, hoses and helmets.
The pelican is the corporate image of the Bank on whose wall it is located, and which commissioned the work.
The panda (2022)
Bordalo brought his panda so it can be seen on the castle hill, right in Largo das Portas do Sol. This work can be seen on board the tram 28. To do so, take the 28 towards Martim Moniz -> Prazeres and try to take a seat on the right side of the train.
(📸@fabiomca1984)
The panda was made in the context of the exhibition “Evilution”. No, it’s not a spelling mistake, it’s a neologism that expresses the author’s ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainability.
You know, if you are one of the brave ones who walk from the Fado Museum, at the base of Alfama to the Castle, then when you stop at Largo das Portas do Sol, to rest and have a drink, be sure to admire Bordalo’s panda.