Workshop with João Louro
How does text write images?

This workshop, conceived and oriented by João Louro, analyses some of the consequences of the avant-gardes and the Dada movement (1916) in particular and relate it to the event that directly triggered it, the World War I and the Battle of Verdun (1916).
First, this “New World” based on a rejection of the past will be analysed by revisiting some of its leading figures, including Hugo Ball, Kurt Schwitters, Tristan Tzara and Antonin Artaud. From there, the focus will move to some of their techniques and strategies, namely the invention of new words, the return of “primitivism” and the use of the cut-up technique, following on to its more modern manifestations, such as in the work of William Burroughs.
Second, a drawing class will be held in which text cuttings will be used to create images, recreating the style of anonymous messages using cut-out words favoured by criminals.
At the end, the participants’ work will be examined, and eventually a collective composition created based on all of the individual contributions.

Useful Information
Registered workshop participants should arrive 10 minutes early;
The use of masks is mandatory during the workshop;
All materials distributed by the museum are disinfected and for individual use only;
The participants can bring their own materials such as notebooks, sketchbooks and other stationary/scratch-art tools.