Eugénio de Andrade, the Art of Verse

To mark the centenary of the birth of Eugénio de Andrade, the Museu da Cidade do Porto is opening its doors to an exhibition paying homage to the poet, on the day he would have turned 100 years old. The idea involved creating an expanded programme, which varies between an exhibition, a Short Course, reading and conversation series, itineraries and an educational programme. The highlight of the event is the Eugénio de Andrade, the Art of Verse exhibition, in the Almeida Garrett Municipal Library. With free admission, the exhibition is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the opening hours change on Mondays and it is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Thanks to the curators Jorge Sobrado and Rita Roque and the collaboration of Arnaldo Saraivo, a nostalgic exhibition has been produced, featuring unpublished documentation, organised through the collection of the Eugénio de Andrade Foundation. Postcards, posters, travels, manuscripts, typed documents and personal objects are some of the items that are represented in the exhibition, with the purpose of showing the different phases of Eugénio de Andrade’s life. But it doesn’t end here. The exhibition includes extracts from films in which the poet participated, where testimonies by friends are revealed, as well as the view of other writers on Eugénio and the works he left behind. 
Also available are the Eugénio Readers sessions, which take place every fortnight, on Thursdays, and feature affectionate readings by the singer Pedro Abrunhosa. It is, therefore, another way of paying tribute, inviting journalists, politicians, researchers and artists to recite their favourite poems. The tribute extends until April and for those who have already had the opportunity to explore the programme, we have good news: the Museu da Cidade do Porto reveals that there may be a second exhibition moment, dedicated to the artistic collaborations of the celebrated poet.

Celebrating the centenary of Eugénio de Andrade’s birth 

Among the lovers of Portuguese literature and poetry he became known under the pseudonym José Fontinhas. His name was Eugénio de Andrade. Born in Fundão, he moved to Lisbon when he was 10 years old, after his parents separated. He went to Passos Manuel High School and Machado de Castro Technical School, and in his youth, he embarked on writing poetry, also influenced by the poet António Botto. As life went on, he spent time in Coimbra and it was in Oporto that he stayed until the date of his death in 2005. Eugénio de Andrade didn’t just stick to literary expression. He also produced essays and children’s books, while also venturing into translation of works by illustrious names, such as Federico García. It was in 1940 that he published his first work, called Narciso, and his last one in 1998, entitled Lugares do Lume. Along the way, he was honoured with multiple awards, and today he remains a name that goes beyond borders.

The tribute extends until April

As a way of revisiting a fragment of the work of one of the most celebrated Portuguese poets of the 20th century, here follows a poem chosen by Villas&Golfe magazine, which conjures up profound reflections on nature and the body and on the transcendence of life’s limits. An unknown reality. A hesitant dawn. Enjoy.

I know now how joy was born,
how the wind is born between paper boats,
how water or love is born
when youth is not a tear. 

First it’s only a whisper of foam
around the body that awakens,
thick syllable, accumulated kiss,
dawning birds in the blood. 

It is suddenly a scream,
a scream clenched in the teeth,
gallop of horses on a horizon
where the sea is diurnal and wordless. 

I have spoken of all that I have loved.
Of things that I give you
So that you may love them with me:
youth, the wind and the sands.  

«Até Amanhã», in «Até Amanhã», 1956