This piece pays homage to the profound beauty and poetry of nature, as explored in the work of Lourdes Castro.

This exclusive design draws inspiration from the themes of the exhibition, which investigates how scientists, philosophers, writers, artists, and filmmakers have collected or represented plants, whether for scientific study or personal enjoyment, creating herbaria that range from the scientific to the poetic.

© Lourdes Castro

The exhibition Herbarium Seen & Dreamed aims to explore how scientists, philosophers, writers, artists, and filmmakers have collected or represented plants, whether for scientific purposes or personal enjoyment, creating herbaria that bridge the scientific and the poetic.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, the exhibition showcases the exploratory work of various botanists and artists.

In the contemplative space of the Barn, visitors are invited to discover the remarkable Grand Herbier d’Ombres / Grande herbário de sombras (1972) by Lourdes Castro (1930–2022), featured in the installation Je/Eux d’Ombres by artist Claudia Isabel Navas.

Lourdes Castro, a visual artist born in Funchal, Madeira Island, in 1930, is regarded as one of the most important Portuguese contemporary artists. She was one of the founders of the renowned artistic group and magazine KWY in France.