Artur Bordalo, known as Bordalo II, is renowned for his artistic works in which he criticises the system, and has currently made some works that concern the housing crisis in Portugal, particularly in Lisbon.

In this context, on 7 August, the artist placed a banner in Praça do Comércio, one of the most visited places by tourists in Lisbon, which reads “Vende-se Lisboa” (Lisbon for Sale). The moment when the banner was put up was shared on Bordalo II's social media, where the artist's criticism can be read in the caption.

"Excellent opportunity. Old town, with great sun exposure all year round and recently refurbished with luxury details," he writes. "Set in a premium area of the Iberian Peninsula, it has stunning views over the River Tagus and easy access to restaurants and luxury shops. Ideal for those who want to enjoy a vibrant, cosmopolitan and gentrified environment. A dream opportunity in a city where most people cannot even dream of living," says the artist.

Other works

Criticising the current situation in the housing sector in Portugal has been an important point of criticism in the artist's works.


For example, in Cais do Sodré, in Praça Duque da Terceira, Bordalo II set up a large Monopoly board and, once again, used social media to describe the intended criticism.

"Our cities are being converted into huge game boards. The right to housing, enshrined in the Constitution, is now at the mercy of luck or chance. Some players exchange houses for hotels, some mortgage their properties to the bank, others are the bank - but in this game, not everyone starts with the same amount and few get paid when they pass the starting house," Bordalo II wrote on Instagram in May, where he shared some images of the work, entitled 'Provoc'.

Author

Currently, the Deputy Editor at The Portugal News, Bruno G. Santos, is really interested in national politics. With a degree in Journalism and Communication, he also loves to write about different topics like Portuguese culture, society and other current affairs. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos