Matéria Nova: A New Age in Portuguese Ceramics

From October 1-15, SomoS Arts hosts the Berlin presentation of Matéria Nova: A New Age in Portuguese Ceramics, bringing seven emerging Portuguese artists together in a group exhibition introducing a new generation of contemporary artistic ceramics.

Conceived and curated by Beatriz Salvador and produced by Salvador Media, the exhibition grows out of a research-based curatorial project published in 2025 surveying the development of Portuguese artistic ceramics over the past 20 years. From this broader research, Matéria Nova turns to the present, bringing together artists from Portugal’s leading fine arts programs and presenting their work in Berlin for the first time.

Artists Maria Madalena Marques, Andreia Pereirinha, Cristiano Spencer, Catarina da Silva, Cristiana Alves, Anotio, and Mara Lisboa share distinct approaches to the expressive and plastic properties of clay, moving the medium beyond traditional and utilitarian associations through works spanning sculpture, installation, sound, video, and performance.

SomoS Arts serves as the host venue for the Berlin presentation. The exhibition is on view October 1-15, with daily opening hours from 2-7 PM. The vernissage takes place on Friday, October 2, from 6-10 PM, with Portuguese wine and an opportunity to meet the participating artists. A conversation with the artists and curator will be held at 7 PM.

Exhibition Programme:

October 1-15, 2026

Daily, 2-7 PM

Friday, October 2

6-10 PM - Vernissage

7 PM - Conversation with the artists and curator

Saturday, October 3

3-4 PM - Guided exhibition visit with the curator and participating artists

Thursday, October 15

6-8 PM - Finissage