PORTRAIT EXCHANGE

(2013-DATE)

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​The Portrait exchange is an ongoing participatory live art action and social intervention that aims to explore and share both global and personal diversities of thought, perceptions and social interaction through face-to-face creative exchanges.

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There have been around 350 exchanges with participants in locations around the world, starting in 2014 in South Africa and India. I traveled through France and Italy to Lesvos in 2016 and later the project was carried out in the UK, Morocco, the Netherlands and Denmark. Then, in 2019 I came to Lisbon. Here, for the first time 80 portraits, made in Lisbon were also exhibited. (see page: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY? -LISBON)

City streets, beaches, carparks, work environments, a Mayor's office, coffee shops, park benches, campsites, wherever possible:  I ask strangers/ people I meet to sit still and silent for a timed ten minutes, considering a response to this question:

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‘If everyone in the world were willing to listen to you for one moment, what would you say?’  

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(For the 'Lisbon Chapter' I trialled the contextualised version of this:  If everyone in Lisbon were willing to listen...)

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(During Lockdown a number of participants were drawn via live video, connecting with people in places such as Hong Kong,, UK The Netherlands and Algarve)

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While considering their response I sketch their portrait, beneath which they write their answer/message. Using carbon paper I create two images at once, gifting the participant the original and keeping the print – a record of the exchange.

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After successful reception of the Lisbon portraits at Marques Pombal Metro Station (reported on by RTP1 TV News). I have resumed progress with the original question in Portugal where I live, in the UK where I occasionally work and elsewhere on my travels, with the aim of reaching 1000 exchanges. I am working with the intention to exhibit these portraits and publish a book, sharing the messages of the participants.

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In July 2024 I visited the Emergency Accommodation Centre in Beato, Lisboa. (see process photos to the right)

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See a selection of portraits below​

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