The Amoreiras Shopping Center in Lisbon is hosting an unprecedented exhibition of works by the London-based plastic artist Robert Bradford. Until June 11th, visitors to the shopping center can enjoy 14 colorful and fun sculptures created from discarded and recycled plastic objects, mainly toys. The exhibition features animals, angels, and soldiers, including a two-meter sculpture inspired by the famous Portuguese national symbol, the Barcelos Rooster.
Robert Bradford’s unique sculptures are made from a variety of plastic toys, such as dolls, cars, puzzle pieces, among others, and some of his works contain up to 3,000 toy pieces and are valued at around €20,000. The artist has developed his own method of construction to create unique and sustainable sculptures with a strong environmental message.
According to the artist, the Galo de Barcelos sculpture, created exclusively for this exhibition, is a creative and original representation of Portuguese culture, incorporating traditional elements in a contemporary and sustainable approach. Bradford’s interpretation of this traditional symbol adds a unique and modern approach to the exhibition, which encourages dialogue on important issues such as sustainability and the use of recycled materials in art.
The Amoreiras Shopping Center sees this exhibition as an opportunity for visitors to experience contemporary art in a public and accessible location. The shopping center hopes to enrich visitors’ cultural experiences with this unprecedented exhibition in the country, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate contemporary art in an original and innovative way.
Robert Bradford is a 77-year-old British artist, who holds a degree in painting and a master’s degree in cinema from the Royal College of Art. His work in art therapy inspired him to reuse toys and waste materials, giving them a new form and meaning. Bradford always liked to use used materials with their own story, such as books, magazines, old wood, tree waste, and toys, with a strong awareness of environmental preservation. The exhibition will also feature three paintings from the artist’s latest “Trash Art” series, integrating recycled materials such as cutout recycled drawings or retro postcards.