The Hunchback Society is a collective founded in 2022 by Lisbon-based artists
Madalena Parreira and Jorge Nesbitt. The Society’s work presents a humorous
perspective on diverse traditions within the decorative arts, drawing inspiration from
both Eastern and Western sources, reflecting on the history of figuration and the
tradition of decorative and utilitarian ceramics. While the collective's work is
characterized by a strong connection to illustration and craft, it also reflects the
influence of artistic references within ancient and contemporary practices in all fields of
the visual arts and from diverse origins. The works created by the Hunchbacks are
rooted in functionality (candlesticks, fruit bowls, combs, boxes), but aim to serve as
"conversation pieces”, reminding the viewer of past traditions while presenting a
satirical or odd perspective on familiar forms. The Hunchbacks work together on all
stages of the process, from clay modeling to firing and glazing.
Madalena Parreira is an artist and teacher based in Lisbon. She is also a former visual
arts teacher at St. Julian’s School in Portugal and the United Nations International
School in New York for middle school, GCSE and IB Visual Arts. Currently directing the
printmaking department and co-directing the Illustration and Comics department at
Ar.Co (Centro de Arte e Comunicação Visual), Madalena also develops her own practice
in the areas of printmaking, ceramics and set-design. Her work can be seen
at www.madalenaparreira.com
Jorge Nesbitt is an artist and teacher based in Lisbon. He has been the co-founder and
director of the illustration and Comics department at Ar.Co (Centro de Arte e
Comunicação Visual and is currently teaching drawing, illustration and ceramics at
Ar.Co. Jorge has created a significant body of work in areas such as drawing, painting,
book illustration and printmaking and his work is represented in various national art
collections such EDP, Rothchild and Carmona e Costa Foundation. He is represented
by Rui Freire, Fine Art Gallery in Lisbon. His work can be seen on www.jorgenesbitt.com
The Hunchback Society works can be found:
Daguet Bresson Gallery, Paris
Atelier Felipa Almeida, Lisbon
Albuquerque Foundation, Sintra
For more information please email societyhunchback@gmail.com.