Bordalo II’s giant flamingos take flight in Olhão

A striking new artwork by Portuguese street artist Bordalo II has been unveiled in Olhão, where three giant flamingos made from around 300kg of recycled waste are already drawing the attention of locals and visitors alike.

Titled “3 Flamingos”, the installation stands on Avenida D. João VI, near the Cubo roundabout, and was commissioned by Olhão Municipal Council as part of celebrations marking the municipality’s bicentenary.

The artwork pays tribute to the Ria Formosa, using one of the lagoon’s most recognisable bird species to draw attention to the importance of protecting the internationally recognised natural park.

Speaking to Barlavento, the artist – whose real name is Artur Bordalo – said the installation is intended as “a wake-up call” about the future of the Ria Formosa.

“It made sense because these are species from an area that continues to be threatened by private interests, where people need to stand up and defend the nature that surrounds them,” he said.

“If everything here becomes asphalt, resorts and golf courses only for the wealthy, everyone else will lose the chance to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding their towns.”

Built from waste

Like many of Bordalo II’s internationally acclaimed creations, the flamingos are constructed from discarded plastics and industrial and urban waste.

The artist explained that his studio collects materials from abandoned sites, companies and municipalities, with some items also purchased before being transformed into large-scale sculptures.

The components are assembled in his workshop before being transported and installed on site, where the final painting and finishing touches are completed.

Respect for local artists

The project was originally planned for the façade of a building in Olhão’s Bairro dos Índios district, but the location was changed after Bordalo II realised the wall already featured a mural by local street artist SEN (Dário Silva).

“It wouldn’t have made sense to paint over it, especially as he’s a local artist and a major reference in this field,” Bordalo II told Barlavento, adding that SEN also joined the project at his invitation.

Instead, the installation replaced an ageing mural on Avenida D. João VI depicting one of Olhão’s island ferries.

Bordalo II said the positive response his work has received across the Algarve may reflect growing public concern about the future of the Ria Formosa.

“Perhaps because the Ria Formosa really does need visibility and people to draw attention to it,” he said. “Many people here understand that this is an important issue.”

The artist, who says he has Algarve roots through his mother and grandmother from São Bartolomeu de Messines, added that he is always happy to return to the region whenever the opportunity arises.

The official inauguration takes place today (Thursday, July 9), with Olhão mayor Ricardo Calé expected to attend alongside members of the municipal executive and invited guests.

Source: Barlavento

Photos: Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group