Spring 2023 exhibitions programme

CAM—Centro de Arte Moderna was inaugurated in 1983 to house the collection of modern and contemporary art that the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation had been acquiring since the late 1950s. The building is now temporarily closed for ambitious renovation works, reopening its doors in 2024 with renewed aspirations. Until then, CAM continues to engage its publics through an extensive programme of exhibitions and activities.

Interwoven by the Collection as a connector between past, present and future, in 2023 CAM presents three exhibitions at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation headquarters. Histories of a Collection explores how the Collection was brought together, from its origins in the 1950s to the present day and signalling towards the future. gris, vide, cris is a deep encounter between the work of Alberto Giacometti and Rui Chafes, both of whom are represented in the Collection. Finally, open to all in the main foyer, we pay tribute to Paula Rego in the first anniversary of her death by showcasing two major paintings recently acquired by CAM.

Histories of a Collection. Modern and Contemporary Art from CAM
Main Building—Main Gallery
May 5–September 18

Curators: Ana Vasconcelos, Leonor Nazaré, Patrícia Rosas, Rita Fabiana, CAM

Regarded as one of the largest collections of Portuguese modern and contemporary art, CAM’s Collection currently comprises around 12,000 objects, 200 of which are presented in this exhibition. Histories of a Collection analyses the ways in which the Collection came into being through the thorough presentation of better and lesser-known works. Tracing its journey through time, the exhibition explores how the various directors, curators and acquisitions committees have shaped and developed it, responding to changes in society and opening different narratives and interpretations. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue and by an extensive programme of activities.

Rui Chafes and Alberto Giacometti: gris, vide, cris
Main Building—Lower Gallery
May 18–September 25

Curator: Helena de Freitas, CAM

Organised by CAM in collaboration with Fondation Giacometti, Paris

CAM has a history of presenting dialogues between contemporary artists and seminal figures of 20th-century art. Alberto Giacometti (1901, Borgonovo—1966, Chur, Switzerland) and Rui Chafes (1966, Lisbon) are the protagonists of this new iteration. Taking his cue from his own research, Chafes proposes a unique approach to the work of Giacometti, a sensorial experience in which silence and solitude come to dominate. The title derives from a poem by Giacometti himself, setting the context for a selection of 19 of his works, displayed alongside 13 sculptures by Rui Chafes, some of which are specially designed for this project. gris, vide, cris is accompanied by a bilingual catalogue co-published with Editorial La Fábrica.

Homage to Paula Rego (1935, Lisbon–2022, London)
Main Building—Main Foyer
June 8–July 24

Curator: Helena de Freitas, CAM

CAM holds one of largest collections of works by Paula Rego, with whom it maintained a close relationship since her years as a grant holder in the 1960s. When Angel (1998) and Turkish Bath (1960) were acquired in 2022, the artist stated: “It is a great joy to know that two of my most important paintings will live in the Gulbenkian. They supported me when I most needed support. I know they will take care of my angel and I hope it brings them luck and comfort.” A year after her death, CAM pays homage to its great friend Paula Rego by displaying these two works in the main foyer of the Foundation’s iconic building.