Two driving forces can be clearly identified in the Carrilho da Graça’s projects: the analysis of the topography of the territory and the reference of the Russian constructivism. While the logics of anthropization constituted a starting point for the implantation of his buildings and for the relationship they establish with the landscape, Russian constructivism consisted of a conceptual and formal starting point for their design. In the exhibition Flashback / Carrilho da Graça, the visitor is given an interpretation of this architect's work from his first paradigmatic references, among which the most important avant-garde movement of the first half of the 20th century can be highlighted. In this exhibition, the circumstances that led Carrilho da Graça to the fascination with Russian constructivism are revealed, and his works are placed in the light of this extraordinary reference – through the presence of quotes from Carrilho da Graça and books from his personal library, but also through the presentation of several original pieces by Kazimir Malevich and El Lissitzky, kindly provided for this exhibition by national and international museums. In the scope of the parallel programme of this exhibition, we propose a debate with one of the greatest specialists in contemporary art in Portugal – Delfim Sardo –, one of the most relevant contemporary architectural historians – Jean-Louis Cohen – and João Luís Carrilho da Graça himself, revisiting this historical period, but also observing it in the light of our time, evaluating the validity of its premisses.

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Architecture,Constructivism,Carrilho da Graça,Jean Louis Cohen,Delfim Sardo