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In an evocative tribute to Portuguese culture, the artist Vhils sculpted the face of celebrated writer Valter Hugo Mãe on the pier of Our Lady of Guidance. This striking work forms part of a broader artistic journey tied to the film O Sentido da Vida (*The Meaning of Life*), directed by Miguel Gonçalves Mendes. The film follows the poignant story of a young man living with paramyloidosis, exploring the resilience and depth of human experience through a uniquely Portuguese lens.

The choice of the pier as the sculpture’s home is both symbolic and purposeful; it represents a place of guidance and resilience, grounding Mãe’s influence in a public and meaningful space. The collaboration unites three significant figures in Portuguese culture: Valter Hugo Mãe in Literature, Miguel Gonçalves Mendes in Cinema, and Vhils in Visual Arts. Each artist, renowned internationally, brings to this project a voice that resonates well beyond Portugal, amplifying the narrative of struggle, hope, and creative expression that defines O Sentido da Vida.

Unfortunately the piece has suffered from erosion so is less visible.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C9JF3JxxZ/

Valter Hugo Mãe

Artworks