Student Artwork Guide

Name Class Date

Pedro Calapez, Untitled (1986), Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea a Norte. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist: Pedro Calapez originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/pedro-calapez/
Artist’s dates: 1953 –
Painted: 1986
Original size: 200 x 160 cm
Held at: Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea a Norte originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/rede-portuguesa-de-arte-contemporanea-a-norte-porto/

Copyright This work is treated as still under copyright. Pedro Calapez was born in 1953 and has no recorded death date; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Untitled — Pedro Calapez

How big is it?

The original measures 200 × 160 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height. It is too large to draw to scale on this page.

When was this painted?

1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span, counting 0 from birth.

Painted when the artist was 33. 1 of the 10 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

▲ this work, 1986 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1987 Main working years: 1987–2003 Late works: from 2003

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Untitled, 1985 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/pedro-calapez-untitled-D7EDFA-en/
Sem título, 1987 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/pedro-calapez-sem-titulo-D98A3A-en/
Lugar -19 (ou lugar dos pequenos lugares), 2003 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/pedro-calapez-lugar-19-ou-lugar-dos-pequenos-lugares-D2DT57-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/pedro-calapez-untitled-D7TC4X-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

Main colour

Phthalo Green #282420

Catalogued palette

#282420
#403637
#8E867E
#4D4248

These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

Main colour name: Phthalo Green
Intensity: Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
Contrast: Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
Harmony: Discordant Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
Brightness: Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
Saturation: Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

Where in the world is this painting looked at?

under 1%
1–3%
3–8%
8–20%
20% and over

This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Pedro Calapez over the last twelve months — 1 countries in all. Where these figures come from

The ten leading countries

1 China 100.0%

Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

The 3 most looked-at works by Pedro Calapez

1 Paisagem Mayor, 2009 50.0%
2 Untitled, 1991 50.0%
— Untitled, 1986 this painting 0.0%

Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 10 works by this artist, of which 2 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

Artist

Pedro Calapez

Born in Lisbon, Portugal

Pedro Calapez: Exploring Layers of Memory and Texture

Pedro Calapez, born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1953, is a Portuguese painter whose artistic journey began amidst the vibrant cultural landscape of the seventies. Early exhibitions marked the genesis of his career, culminating in his inaugural solo show in 1982 – an event that established him as a significant voice within the burgeoning Portuguese art scene. Since then, Calapez has consistently pursued creative exploration, showcasing his work independently across prestigious galleries and museums including Casa de la Città in Rome, Carré des Arts in Paris, and the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, cementing his reputation for impactful visual narratives.

Early Influences & Artistic Beginnings: Calapez’s formative years were steeped in European artistic traditions, particularly Surrealism and Expressionism. These influences subtly permeate his stylistic choices, evident in the emotive brushwork and dreamlike imagery characteristic of his oeuvre.

Notable Exhibitions: His exhibitions have spanned decades, reflecting a dedication to presenting his work to discerning audiences worldwide. Highlights include ‘Histórias de Objetos’ (Stories of Objects), ‘Memória Involuntária’ (Unvoluntary Memory), and ‘Campo de Sombras’ (Field of Shadows), demonstrating a fascination with capturing fleeting moments and conveying profound psychological states.

Technique & Style: Calapez's technique is defined by heavy impasto – applying paint thickly onto the canvas – creating textured surfaces that invite tactile engagement. His approach leans heavily into abstraction, prioritizing color palettes and gestural marks to communicate emotion rather than literal representation.

Recognition & Awards: Calapez’s artistic endeavors have garnered considerable acclaim, securing him positions within influential institutions like the Gulbenkian Foundation and contributing to the advancement of contemporary art in Portugal.

His work frequently delves into themes of memory and perception, utilizing objects as catalysts for exploring subconscious landscapes. Recurring motifs—often bathed in luminous hues—suggest a preoccupation with capturing intangible feelings and sensations. Calapez’s canvases are not merely visual representations; they are invitations to contemplate the complexities of human experience.

Key Achievements & Artistic Legacy

Calapez's contribution to Portuguese art extends beyond individual exhibitions. He has actively participated in shaping dialogues concerning artistic expression and its role in reflecting societal concerns. His exploration of abstract forms and emotive color combinations stands as a testament to the enduring power of visual language—a legacy that continues to inspire artists and resonate with viewers alike.

Featured Artist: Casa de la Città, Roma

Featured Artist: Carré des Arts, Paris

Featured Artist: Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon

Selected Works & Ongoing Exploration

Calapez continues to refine his artistic vision, consistently pushing boundaries and experimenting with new mediums. His ongoing commitment to capturing the essence of human emotion—through textured surfaces and evocative color combinations—solidifies his position as a pivotal figure in contemporary Portuguese art.

Museum

Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea a Norte

On show in Porto, Portugal

Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea a Norte: A Tapestry of Northern Portuguese Creativity

The Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea a Norte (RPAC Norte) stands as a beacon of artistic innovation nestled in the vibrant cultural landscape of Porto and Northern Portugal. More than just a collection of museums, it’s an ambitious project designed to elevate contemporary art appreciation and foster collaboration amongst institutions—a testament to Portugal's commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and aesthetic excellence.

A Networked Vision:

Established in 2008, RPAC Norte recognized the transformative potential of uniting disparate artistic endeavors under a single banner. Its core mission is to strengthen Northern Portugal’s position as a global hub for contemporary art, ensuring accessibility and sparking dialogue both locally and internationally.

Diverse Artistic Expressions:

Unlike traditional museums focused on singular narratives, RPAC Norte champions a multiplicity of voices and mediums. Visitors embark on an exploration encompassing painting, sculpture, photography, video art, installations—each offering a distinct perspective on the evolving artistic landscape. Rotating exhibitions guarantee fresh discoveries for seasoned connoisseurs and inspire newcomers alike.

Architectural Marvels: Buildings That Breathe Art

What distinguishes RPAC Norte isn’t merely its collection but also its architectural pedigree. Each museum within the network embodies a carefully considered aesthetic, reflecting Portugal's rich artistic heritage and embracing modern design principles. From repurposed historic spaces—such as Vila Nova de Gaia’s Museu Serralves, which reimagines an industrial complex into a serene oasis of art and gardens—to strikingly contemporary structures like Centro Internacional das Artes António Vieira in Porto, these buildings serve as canvases themselves.

Historic Integration:

Museums like Museu Júlio Xavier Aragão skillfully blend architectural grandeur with the charm of Vila Nova de Gaia’s historic Ribeira district.

Modern Innovation:

Conversely, Centro Internacional das Artes António Vieira pushes boundaries with its innovative design—a bold statement against conventional museum architecture and a celebration of artistic vision.

Celebrating Artistic Legacy: Artists and Exhibitions

RPAC Norte’s curators prioritize showcasing both established masters and emerging talents, fostering an environment where creativity flourishes. Gerardo Burmester de Almeida's minimalist paintings—characterized by their contemplative stillness and subtle color palettes—offer a profound reflection on artistic form and conceptual depth. Alongside him, Mário Cesariny de Vasconcelos’ poetic verses and surrealist imagery capture the spirit of Portugal under Salazar’s regime, challenging societal norms with audacious brilliance.

Notable Exhibitions:

RPAC Norte regularly hosts exhibitions that delve into pressing social issues, explore artistic experimentation, and champion diverse cultural perspectives.

A Singular Approach to Artistic Engagement

Ultimately, RPAC Norte’s success lies in its holistic approach—combining captivating architecture, stimulating exhibitions, and a supportive ecosystem for artists. It's an institution that invites visitors not just to observe art but to actively engage with it, fostering intellectual curiosity and nurturing appreciation for Portugal’s contribution to the global artistic dialogue.

Discover More

For detailed information about RPAC Norte and its member museums, please visit:

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/rede-portuguesa-de-arte-contemporanea-a-norte-rpac-norte

Where to read more

The artist Pedro Calapez originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/pedro-calapez/
The museum Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea a Norte originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/rede-portuguesa-de-arte-contemporanea-a-norte-porto/
Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/pedro-calapez-untitled-D7TC4X-en/

Find this online

QR code linking to the download page for Untitled

originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/pedro-calapez-untitled-D7TC4X-en/

Cite this artwork

MLA: Calapez, Pedro. Untitled. 1986, Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea a Norte. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/pedro-calapez-untitled-D7TC4X-en/
APA: Calapez, Pedro (1986). Untitled [Painting]. Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea a Norte. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/pedro-calapez-untitled-D7TC4X-en/
Chicago: Pedro Calapez. Untitled. 1986. Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea a Norte. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/pedro-calapez-untitled-D7TC4X-en/
Harvard: Calapez, Pedro (1986) Untitled. Rede Portuguesa de Arte Contemporânea a Norte. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/pedro-calapez-untitled-D7TC4X-en/

Untitled — Pedro Calapez

Look closely

Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

What catches your eye first, and why?
Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
Look back at Untitled (1985), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
Pedro Calapez was about 33 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

Your response

Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

Questions & Answers

How harmonious are the colors of "Untitled" by Pedro Calapez?

The colors of "Untitled" by Pedro Calapez show a discordant palette harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.

Toward which tone does "Untitled" lean?

The dominant hue of "Untitled" by Pedro Calapez is warm sunset tones. The hue is the underlying tone of the palette.

Is "Untitled" by Pedro Calapez a portrait, landscape or square composition?

"Untitled" by Pedro Calapez is a portrait composition. The proportions are worth checking before choosing a print size.