Unearthing, 2021

Unearthing is an act of recognition—of bringing to light the forgotten histories of women who, during the colonial era, were forced to leave their lands and homes, migrating to different parts of the world. 

The project originated from an artistic residency that RitaGT undertook at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP, UK) in 2018. It takes shape as a vocal and movement performance featuring traditional singers from Cantadeiras do Vale do Neiva and dancers Piny and Isa Santos. The performance will be staged at the former Viana do Castelo Pottery Factory, in the city where the artist currently lives and works. 

Ceramics and traditional songs are deeply embedded in Portuguese history, particularly within the realms of domestic and rural labor. These elements play a central role in artistic production and circulation, especially in relation to feminism and gender issues. In Unearthing, the artist continues her exploration of post-colonial narratives, the role of women in society, and their connection to the land—particularly through clay and ceramics. 

The choral component of the performance draws from traditional songs and chants, passed down through generations of women. These songs will be performed in Portuguese without subtitles, preserving the linguistic diversity and regional nuances embedded in their lyrics and interpretation. 

Unearthing reflects the enduring commitment present in RitaGT’s work, creating moments that intertwine contemplation and memory. At the core of all discourses that sustain power structures—whether imperialist, social, or gendered—is an incredible capacity for forgetting; they are, in essence, factories of oblivion. The role of artists like Rita, along with writers and thinkers, is to examine these mechanisms of erasure and reawaken our collective memory,” describes Helen Pheby, curator of the YSP program. 

The Unearthing project was made possible with the support of the owner of the Viana do Castelo Pottery Factory, the Viana do Castelo City Council, and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. It was commissioned by YSP as part of its 2021 program dedicated to women artists.  

 

Unearthing (2021) 
Video. Color. Sound. 
14’06’’ 
1/3. 
Edition 1 belongs to the State Contemporary Art Collection – CACE 

Work by RitaGT.  

Participants: Cantadeiras do Vale do Neiva, Piny, and Isa Santos.