Walls of loose stone are the most widespread and most obvious human impression on the PES territory. Repairing a stone wall is a sign of human presence, a cry against abandonment. These days, though, often these walls exist in territories that are attended by wild animals, more than by humans. This Residency is intended to explore this coexistence at the Cunqueiros village, Castelo Branco, Portugal. It will be a Residency by Erik Samakh, with local inhabitants and a traditional mason.

Erik Samakh is a contemporary artist, and a teacher at higher arts education in France. His work, internationally recognized since the 1980s, combines new technologies with natural elements. It is a constant dialogue between human beings and nature, where the space previously taken by the power of images becomes a place of listening. Technological elements (seeds of light, solar flutes, etc) are used to draw attention to natural parks or geological reserves (Parque Natural Regional de Lorraine, Gorges du Riou, Floresta da Tijuca – Brazil, Centro Internacional de Arte e da Paisagem of Vassivière, etc).

Erik Samakh’s final art works will be on display at the Museu Vostell-Malpartida, Spain, 21-23 March 2025. However, already on the 21st July 2024 it will be possible to meet the artist and hear about his expectations for this Residency, at the Seminar on Art & Sustainable Tourism that will take place at Fábrica da Criatividade, Castelo Branco, Portugal.