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Writer's pictureNelson Ferreira

Nelson Ferreira’s PlatiGleam Painting Finds a Permanent Home at Batalha Monastery

The historic Batalha Monastery has just added a remarkable new piece to its collection: A PlatiGleam painting called 'Lightscapes of the Night: the Monastery's West Facade', a contemporary painting by renowned artist and academician Nelson Ferreira - the owner of the Online Bargue Course. Known for his dedication to classical techniques and his ability to merge traditional and modern themes, Nelson Ferreira’s work marks a significant addition to one of Portugal’s most celebrated monuments. In a departure from conventional methods, his PlatiGleam paintings - 'Platinum that Gleams' - are made with secret formulas that utilize light refraction and diffraction instead of traditional pigments. The image appears and disappears, depending on the direction of the light. Visitors are invited to turn on their mobile phone's torch, and to photograph this seemingly blank artwork with the flashlight on.





Located in the heart of Portugal, Batalha Monastery (Mosteiro da Batalha) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 1386 to commemorate Portugal’s victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota. With Nelson Ferreira’s PlatiGleam painting now part of its permanent collection, visitors can experience the union of Portugal's historical triumphs and contemporary artistic innovation.


Here are some fascinating statistics to emphasize the importance of this milestone:


1. Historical Monument Status: The Batalha Monastery welcomes approximately 500,000 visitors each year from all over the world, making it one of Portugal’s most visited historical sites. This means that Nelson Ferreira’s PlatiGleam painting will have a remarkable viewership, reaching half a million art and history enthusiasts annually.


2. Portugal's Cultural Heritage: The Batalha Monastery was the first monument in the country to have gained World Heritage Site status by UNESCO. It holds unique significance for its architectural beauty and rich history. Adding this PlatiGleam painting reinforces the monastery’s place as a living, breathing part of Portugal's cultural landscape.


3. A Century-Long Legacy: The Batalha Monastery took over 150 years to complete, involving generations of artisans and laborers who crafted its intricate stonework. This painting is the first in recent history to be added to the permanent collection, blending a piece of contemporary art with a structure that embodies over six centuries of history.


4. Symbolism of the Artwork: This PlatiGleam piece was crafted with a secret technique that reflects the craftsmanship seen in the monastery’s architecture. The work combines elements of Nelson Ferreira’s deep-rooted classical training and post-contemporary vision, showcasing Portugal’s journey from the past to the future.


5. Featured in a World-Class Film: Italian filmmaker Gianmarco Donaggio (Berlinale Talent 2024, also several movies nominated for Oscar) has created an experimental film around this painting: 'Alba Nera' (2023).


As the artist behind the PlatiGleam technique, Nelson Ferreira continues to play a vital role in preserving and evolving the classical tradition, which makes this installation a powerful reminder of the bridge between historical heritage and the upcoming post-contemporary creativity. His painting’s permanent home at Batalha Monastery invites each visitor to witness the living dialogue between past and present. Make sure you join the mailing list for more info!



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