THIS MIGHT BE ABOUT ART

A blog/portfolio of thoughts and philosophies inspired by daily life, which is an art form on its own.

By Lihi Shmuel

“A ÚNICA TEMPO É AGORA ” – Curatorial Writing & Support

A ÚNICA TEMPO É AGORA / THE ONLY TIME IS NOW, was a powerful photographic exhibition by Nicole Sánchez, presented in collaboration with Mais Uno +1 Collective and hosted at “Centro de Dia” Intendente, Lisbon. I contributed to the curatorial framing and narrative development of the exhibition, as well as wrote the curatorial texts. The project revived the spirit of the neighborhood photo studio, capturing nearly 200 portraits of local elders. Nicole’s work offers a tender yet striking exploration of aging, individuality, and collective memory—reshaping how we see community through the lens of care and proximity.

"Estúdio do Bairro" revives the lost tradition of Lisbon’s photography studios, creating a space where the community gathers to capture meaningful moments. In a time when photographs have shifted from physical spaces to digital screens, this project stands as a counter-movement, celebrating the ritual of portraiture that has largely disappeared. Located in the INTENDENTE neighborhood, the studio has become a beloved meeting point, drawing nearly 200 participants to reconnect with the art of photography. Each portrait, taken with care, contributes to a broader ‘social portrait,’ highlighting the individuality that collectively shapes a community. Through her work, the artist redefines her role, using photography to bridge connections, honor memory, and bring people together in a shared space.

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