Exhibition “Arrifaina” by João Bracourt

The Portimão Museum will inaugurate the exhibition “Arrifaina” by João Bracourt on May 31 at 5:00 PM, as part of the National Fisherman’s Day celebrations. Comprising 11 photographs, the exhibition results from a record of sardine fishing aboard the trawler “Arrifana,” developed from an unexpected experience at sea. At the beginning of the operation, the camera used by the author became inoperable, allowing only a brief initial record of 17 minutes. From this circumstance, João Bracourt resorted to alternative means, such as action cameras, mobile phones, and drones, resulting in a visual approach based on spontaneity and proximity to daily life aboard. This experience not only gave rise to the photographic exhibition but also to the documentary “Arrifaina,” which will be presented on the same day in the auditorium of the Portimão Museum. The exhibition also includes various objects associated with fishing activities, namely nets, sonar, and other onboard instruments, contributing to a contextualization of the traditional sardine fishing universe. Throughout his career, João Bracourt has developed a unique perspective on the ocean and surf culture, combining a documentary approach with a strong artistic component. His work is distinguished by attention to detail, expressive use of natural light, and the ability to capture the raw and poetic dimension of the sea. João “Brek” Bracourt, born in 1971 in Figueira da Foz, has always lived by the sea, between Figueira da Foz, Faro, Lagos, and Portimão. Underwater hunting and surfing marked his personal journey early on, as well as a strong visual sensitivity, influenced by his family's connection to music. The grandson of José Bracourt, a composer with the most registered themes at the Portuguese Society of Authors, he also inherited this closeness to the artistic and creative universe. In recent years, he has dedicated himself more intensely to photography, focusing much of his work on the waves of the Portuguese coast and travels to Indonesia, where he deepened his photographic language related to surfing and the daily lives of local communities. His journey includes collaborations with brands, athletes, and editorial projects, contributing to the international dissemination of the Portuguese coast. He has published works in magazines such as The Surfers Journal, Stab, Surf Europe, and ONFIRE, as well as on various international specialty websites. His connection to nature, particularly to the Costa Vicentina, remains a primary source of inspiration, reflected in a coherent, authentic, and constantly evolving body of work. The exhibition “Arrifaina” will be open to the public until June 26 and can be visited at the Portimão Museum on Tuesdays from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM, and from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.