Ana Cruz and Maria de Betânia are the artists who form the duo ana+betânia, created in 2015 and set in Caldas da Rainha, a city known for its strong connection with ceramics through history and for the work of the artist Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro, one of their main references.

Their latest exhibition, “FLORA”, now showing in our space until the 12th of November, transports us to the unique universe of the artists through a magnificent homage to love, which is a reflection of their incredible talent. To learn more about their journey and work we had a conversation with Ana and Betânia.

What was the starting point and inspiration for the creation of the delicate flower bouquets, presented in ice cream cones?

After a rather provocative series of ice creams launched last year (with boobies-shaped ice cream), we wanted to explore another side of love connections. As a result, we created “Love Eternal” an ice cream shaped like a flower bouquet, as an homage to the triumph of romantic love over the delayed affections due to the pandemic. This piece was the bridal bouquet of a two years-delayed wedding because of Covid, under the motto “Omnia vincit amor; et nos cedamos amori” (“Love conquers all; let us, too, yield to love!”).

When did you both become interested in sculpture?

…and besides we both chose painting in Fine Arts School! It was ceramics, the clay, that triggered the need to think and create in three dimensions. It is a material with almost unlimited possibilities, regarding texture, scale, or colour, and all the process it demands is engaging, as those epic novels we read in books, and just like those it lasts for all eternity.

How is your creative process as a duo?

We believe that the core of our creative process is sharing, making us function always in search of one another. Sharing translates into effective communication of ideas, the time dedicated to the project, and accepting a hierarchical balance, superior to the individual ego.

In practical terms, as we live in different cities, there is a constant share of ideas, images, stories, and inspirations almost like a ping-pong game. We then organize the studio work in an almost specialized manner, optimizing all the technical processes behind our pieces.

Your incredible talent, regarding both shape and use of materials, is evident in your pieces. Was your academic research work fundamental to get you to this level of skills?

In fact, our first approach to ceramics started with Ceramic Technology at the Fine Arts School of Lisbon (FBAUL) at the beginning of 2000. After both graduating (curiously in painting), we started to work in the ceramic workshops as part of an artistic ceramic investigation program (CIECA). This incubating phase for ana+betânia lasted for almost 10 years, during which we had the opportunity to learn and experiment without any sort of limitations. The teaching and practice here are quite complete and experimentation with materials and techniques such as sculpting, painting, coating and firing is encouraged.

Equally as important was the learning of a consistent and methodical formula to approach an artistic project, associated with all of the visual culture studied. Learning to integrate concepts and personal ideas into technical processes and materials may be the greatest asset we got from university.

What are your greatest influences?

We can definitely highlight the influence of Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro’s work. Raphael is a highly distinctive figure for us and an endless source of inspiration, we can relate to the pop/kitsch aesthetics, as well as the presence of an evident Portuguese identity, and the use of humour, provocation, and irony.

The contemporary artists we follow who are a great source of inspiration are Claire Partington, Matt Wedel, and Carolein Smit. They lead the way, by knowing so well how to balance the right amount of creativity, a clear vision, amazing technique, and work strength.

You can find HERE all the ANA+BETÂNIA pieces available!