The first musical notes of "all this is fado" was the motto for the first strokes of Zonarte, an initiative of the artist Taciana Gouveia, which aims to make room for creativity and imagination of anyone who is willing to express themselves through mural painting. It is a fusion of artistic expression that led fado to the street, to the delight of the countless public who thronged to see the artists in action.
What was the goal that you have set for Zonarte?
Taciana Gouveia: The purpose of this initiative had as its primary objective to make accessible to artistic practice and beyond. It is in a very democratic project, because it is attainable by all. And when I decided to do it I immediately thought about this respect. Create an art project where everyone can participate. I, as an artist, I feel difficulties to expose my work. We all know that there are monopolies and big names that occupy the landscape of art and therefore it is not always as democratic as I would like it to be. It's called Zonarte, why? It's art in the old town, through mural painting.
The choice of the mural has a lot to do with the fact that it can be shared by many people?
TG: Yes, exactly. The project has been adhered by many of the artists and perhaps is to fill the need of expression that I just outlined. Of the lack of accessible and democratic spaces where people feel comfortable to intervene. A place where they can come and unleash their creativity and plastic achievement.
Did you have any difficulties getting support for the first edition of this event?
TG: No, although the project was just been released, lots of people showed up. The first panel was smaller and in this second edition I bet on a wall that is greater, twice as big, to address the lack of space of the previous edition. It just appeared more artists than I expected. In this show, we are portraying a theme of fado in this emblematic street of the old part of Funchal. Basically the challenge launched to the artists was to capture the essence of fado and express it artistically as they wish.
Why this theme?
TG: The project is being promoted by the Royal Tavern with the patronage of Mr. Arsenio who owns the fado oldest houses the city. Thus, provided the musicians and the topic came naturally.
There is always an underlying theme for each mural?
TG: No, in the first edition there was no issue. It was free. Initially what I envisioned was to create a merger project with various expressions, including music and plastic expression. I think this mixture results and consequences are clear. There are plenty of artists to participate and hopefully many more to other issues.
The panel takes place in Funchal, but could not have been meant for other areas of the city?
TG: This project happened here, because it was sponsored by the fantastic Mr. Arsenio, on other sides of the city to take place must also be supported. I do the plea right now, the more parts of the island better. It is for everyone and I like to get to the Zonarte to all people. But let's see if it is possible that some institution will support us.
This mural turns is ephemeral, or not?
TG: No, Zonarte happens every two weeks. This mural is actually here. The idea would be the in end of the year do an exhibit of all panels. I do not have a defined location and date for the show. This arts festival hopefully will happen over 2012, depending on the support, but the idea would be to create cyclical exposures to monetize the little investment that is made.
