artE de pORtas abErtas

The arT of oPEn doORs. 

The painted doors of Funchal are a feature of part of the Zona Velha - the old town. Stretching along the length of Rua de Santa Maria - and spilling into the surrounding streets - the painted doors hold an irresistible draw for me; I have to visit every time we come to Madeira.  Some doors remain the same, others have gone, painted over or replaced by new designs. As Jose Zyberchema, the artist who set up the project in 2010, writes: 
‘The project is in continuous evolution, a cycle of being born-live-die-reborn .... ‘ 
I blipped the doors on our last visit here, and make no apologies for blipping them again. 

Set up as a way of bringing new life to an area which had fallen into decay and disrepute, inevitably there has been a sense of commercialisation as the area has become a victim of its own success. Still, I love exploring, discovering new doors - or at least ones that I’ve not noticed in the past - and finding old favourites that have stood the test of time. 

So it’s the Painted Doors that form my focus for today - another taxi ride into town and slow walk back, stops for drinks and ice cream breaking up the journey. I must admit I’m missing glasses of chilled wine or ice cold beer that are always part of holidays, medication prohibiting alcohol, but I’m drinking lots of water and freshly squeezed orange juice is deliciously refreshing. 

I’ve added a link to an interview with Jose Zyberchema if you’re interested. 

https://www.artmadeira.org/post/arte-de-portas-abertas-interview-with-jose-zyberchema

Choosing my favourite door is really difficult; each time I look at my selection, my view changes - and I suspect everyone will have a different view!