project overview
Aqui Nem Ali is a hands on installation designed to engage the public in exploring and understanding biculturalism. Centered around themes of Portuguese American heritage, the installation provides viewers with a selection of 20 tiles. Visitors are encouraged to select and arrange 9 tiles that resonate with them or evoke a sense of charm, thereby crafting their personalized azulejo mosaic.
Each tile within the mosaic symbolizes a unique mood, a recurring pattern, or a common phrase that encapsulates the essence of both cultures.
mood
These tiles feature emoji-like characters designed to evoke both Portuguese American moods. Emojis are universal and feel relatable through all cultures. The mood tiles compliment the chat bubble tiles or can be used alone within the custom mosaics.
chat bubble
The chat bubble tiles feature popular sayings from both Portuguese and American cultures. These tiles compliment the emotion tiles or can be used alone in the mosaic.
pattern
These tiles represent patterns that are present in both portuguese and American cultures. The portuguese azulejo patterns pay homage to traditional styles, incorporating floral and abstract shapes reminiscent of classic azulejo designs. The american azulejo integrates symbols from the national flag, coupled with pattern repetition.
base
The tiles will all come together on one base. This is a space for viewers to think creatively on how they would like to visually represent themselves in their azulejo mosaic.
specs
Color
the color palette for this piece was inspired by blues prominent in both Portuguese and American cultures.
text
Loretta bold is designed by Portuguese designers Abel Martins and Joana Correira. This typeface is predominantly used for all titles in this project. Myriad Pro is designed by American designers Robert Slimbach and Carol Twombly. This typeface is used for body text and callouts.
