Chronic Art | Miguel Marquês at Serralves: An Examination of Moldova Through a Photographic Lens

Today’s visit to the Serralves Museum offered a thoughtful exploration of the latest work by Miguel Marquês, a young photographer from Braga who has been chosen for the novobanco REVELAÇÃO competition. This initiative, which aims to support emerging photographers, has returned to Serralves with a renewed format. Marquês, currently in collaboration with the NoNo Gallery, presents an exhibition that reflects a significant development in his career.

The exhibition, titled *A Sleepy City*, documents Marquês’ journey to Moldova, a country that, despite its geographical distance from Portugal, has gained attention due to recent geopolitical events. Moldova, a former Soviet republic, struggles with socio-economic challenges that have led to widespread emigration. This context serves as the backdrop for Marquês' work, which began with an attempt to trace the whereabouts of Valentin, a Moldovan he had met in Lisbon.

What unfolds in the exhibition is a photographic series that goes beyond personal narrative, offering instead a broader, critical look at Moldova's urban and rural landscapes. Marquês captures a territory characterized by its temporary architecture, neglected infrastructure, and the persistent presence of stray dogs. These elements create a picture of a place where urban planning seems almost non-existent, blurring the lines between different environments.

Curated by Ricardo Nicolau and coordinated by Giovana Gabriel, the exhibition allows Marquês to showcase his ability to engage with complex subject matter. His work demonstrates a growing maturity in his approach to photography, focusing less on the immediate and more on the underlying narratives of the spaces he explores.

While the exhibition provides insight into a lesser-known part of Europe, it also raises questions about the broader implications of Marquês' subject matter and his perspective as an outsider. His ability to navigate these themes suggests potential for further growth in his career, particularly with the support of the NoNo Gallery. As Marquês continues to develop his practice, it will be interesting to see how his work evolves in future projects.