Soft Ground Exhibition in Comporta Showcases Ecological Art Beyond Clichés

The exhibition 'Soft Ground' is on view at two venues in Comporta, Portugal—the Casa da Cultura and the Museu do Arroz—until September 5, 2026. Curated by Maria Ana Pimenta, international director of the Brazilian gallery Fortes D'Aloia & Gabriel, the show is organized in collaboration with Mendes Wood (represented by Carolyn Drake Kandiyoti) and Kubikgallery. It features works by Portuguese, Brazilian, and Mozambican artists, addressing ecological issues without resorting to clichés of eco-art. The exhibition includes a sculptural piece 'Megatosfera 2' (2015) by Damián Ortega, an installation 'Noite Terra Vida Céu' (2025) by Ernesto Neto, paintings by Patricia Leite ('Água fria', 2025) and Pedro Vaz ('The Rising Star #8', 2026), among others. At the Museu do Arroz, works by Cristiano Lenhardt ('Terraças #4', 2019) and Solange Pessoa (bronze 'Untitled', 2025) are displayed, along with a second installation by Ernesto Neto. A small painting by Paula Siebra ('Paisagem da janela do ateliê', 2026) is highlighted. The exhibition is accompanied by an essay by Filipa Ramos. Additionally, Fortes D'Aloia & Gabriel will participate in Art Basel Paris 2026 (October 23-25) with new works by Anderson Borba, Erika Verzutti, Ernesto Neto, Luiz Zerbini, Marina Rheingantz, and Tadáskía, while Mendes Wood will show works by Giangiacomo Rossetti, Sonia Gomes, Daniel Steegmann Mangrané, Paulo Monteiro, and Marcos Siqueira.