Reflections on the meaning of freedom with Lisbon artist, Andreia Tocha

Street art installation in Lisbon by artist Andreia Tocha. Photo: Randy

“My freedom ends where yours begins” is one of the very well-known rules that define the boundaries of our lives. Sometimes, however, these boundaries are too tight and we feel the need to go beyond and experiment, try, fail, improve, try again to fully understand what our role in the world might be.

What is more important, then? The realization of our own personal talents and mission or the adherence to the boundaries of the society? Is a certain level of selfishness excusable if it is needed to accomplish our mission on this planet or is collective freedom a unbreakable ethical barrier?

“Freedom of choice is one of humanity’s greatest achievements.”

Portuguese-born artist and member Andreia has a clear view on that matter: “No doubt. Freedom of choice is one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Having the right to create our own lifestyle according to what we believe is a privilege of the democratic context that must be extended to everyone.”

Andreia Tocha lives and works in Lisbon, the city where she studied industrial design. She is currently collaborating on projects in the field of conservation and restoration. Her earlier works have explored light and its multiple effects, often playing with shadows and unexpected forms and primary consideration for sustainability, often employing either recycled or natural material. This play results in an ingenious communication between art and craft, from which a new vocabulary originates.

“Fata Morgana”, Andreia Tocha. Image: Randy

In 2011 her collection of Light Objects “Elegy of Shadow” was presented at the experimentadesign biennial at Platform Revolver in Lisbon. She has since participated in numerous exhibitions in Portugal, as well as throughout Spain.

In 2014, an extensive collaboration with the legendary ceramics producer Bordallo Pinheiro resulted in the production of Fata Morgana, A Bordallian Mirage (above). This large-scale work was inaugurated at the Bordallo Pinheiro Museum in Lisbon and continues to travel throughout the country to diverse cultural institutions.