South Bank 2023
“South Bank” refers to the south bank of the Tagus River, in front of Lisbon. As someone who lives on the riverbank at the north side I didn’t know much about that territory of successive immigration and its inhabitants until I began this project.
Margem Sul (South Bank) was also a concept once used as a somewhat derogatory nature by those who lived in Lisbon in relation to the ones who lived on the suburbs south of river Tagus. Over the last decades this concept evolved increasingly as a movement triggered by a cultural elite as an alternative to the city, until finally be converted into an identity brand that proudly reflects their own distinct culture.
In the last years due to its proximity from Lisbon and with fabulous beaches, Natural Parks and historic sites, as well as the popular traditions related with bullfight, traditional fishing and fairs, this area became also an increasingly touristic place.
These photographs were taken during the all year of 2023.
Loneliness 2021
The Loneliness project is not intended to show or describe a situation or tell a story, but rather to convey a feeling that can turn into melancholy, or depression if taken to the extreme.
One is not free to choose loneliness, to the extent that loneliness is imposed on him by the very nature of being. However our relationship and closeness to the other are part of the choice of each one – almost always.
During the period in which these photographs were taken, between December 2020 and February 2021, our capacity of decision was limited by the government and health authorities who kept us confined to our homes for long periods, depriving us from the freedom of choice and movement.
As a result, city streets and public places became lifeless, leaving us with a deep feeling of loneliness when walking on them.
Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.
Luis Ramos
Portugal
Luís Ramos was born in Lisbon, Portugal, where he studied photography at AR.CO, School of Visual Arts and cinema at Escola Superior de Cinema.
For many years he made his career in the leading Portuguese newspapers as photojournalist and photo editor. He travelled in assignment all over the world and has been distinguished with two Fuji Europress Photo Awards (Copenhaga, 2000 and Roma, 2004) and several Visão Photo Awards (Lisboa, 2002, 2004, 2005 e 2006).
From 2006 he became an independent photographer.
Last main exhibitions:
– “South Bank” at the House of Culture in Setúbal , January / February 2024
– “Loneliness” at the Turbina Cultural Center in Budapest, March / April 2022, part of the Budapest Photo Festival.
– ”Dual Reality – Lisbon Revisited”, October / December 2020 at Galeria de Sta. Maria Maior, part of the Imago Lisboa Photo Festival.
– “Remember” at Centro Cultural de Belém, July / September 2019.
He recently edited the photobook “Loneliness”, Lisbon, Decembe