Continuum

 Palácio Nacional da Ajuda

in Lisbon, Portugal, 2024

Continuum is Clare Twomey's artistic proposal for the 200th anniversary exhibition of Vista Alegre, and it began with a challenge: how to look toward the future while also honouring the factory's rich history. During her visit to the factory in Ílhavo, Twomey was struck by the deep connection between the material, clay, and the skilled hands that shape it. Observing the artisans carefully mixing the clay, she realised that this moment was the key to Vista Alegre's legacy — without a stable, well-crafted material, there is no future.

The knowledge and precision of the artisans inspired Twomey’s vision: to create an experience that would honour the work and quality that underpin Vista Alegre. Her work reflects not only the factory’s past but also its ongoing journey, where history and innovation intersect. The technological apparatus to bring this piece to life was developed by Vista Alegre's engineering team. Only their deep understanding of both the material and the necessary technology made this work possible.

Twomey believes that mastery of materials and techniques, rooted in two centuries of history, has a direct connection to our future. As she emphasises, the future of traditional practices and craftsmanship is tied to the care we take with the resources at our disposal. Her artwork reminds us that respect for materials is essential to ensuring the continuation of these arts and the environment. Through Twomey’s cascading liquid clay, the history of Vista Alegre becomes a bridge to a sustainable future, where tradition and innovation meet.