Lichens are fascinating organisms, the result of a symbiosis between fungi, algae and/or cyanobacteria, capable of colonising the most diverse terrestrial ecosystems. If we look closely around us, we find lichens everywhere: on trees in woodlands, on rocks along the coast, and on walls and pavements we pass by every day.
In this week-long workshop, specialists in biology, illustration and the visual arts will guide us in discovering the world of lichens through the exploration of various artistic techniques. We will observe them closely, learn about their biology, chemistry and ecology, and use them as a source of inspiration to unleash creativity – through drawing, modelling, printing, experimental photography and dyeing with their own pigments.
The material created throughout the week will form part of a collective exhibition to be displayed in the Open Greenhouse of the U.Porto Botanical Garden.