The Work

I photographed Porto-based painter António Bessa during a spontaneous visit to his studio in the city centre. The session developed informally, with no preparation or direction, documenting the artist as he worked in his studio environment.

Bessa has spent decades painting in Porto, working from his studio on Rua do Almada. The space is filled with canvases, materials, and works in progress, reflecting years of continuous practice. The aim of the shoot was simply to observe and record the environment where he works and the process behind his paintings.

There was no shared language between us. Bessa speaks Portuguese and very little English — but that didn’t affect the session. Instead of directing the shoot, I spent time with him in the studio while he continued painting, capturing moments as they unfolded naturally.

The photographs show Bessa moving between canvases, preparing paint, and stepping back to review his work. Details of the studio — brushes, surfaces marked by use, and unfinished paintings — help provide context to the environment where his work takes shape.

Alongside these working moments, a number of informal portraits developed during the session. These images show the artist within his workspace rather than separating him from it, presenting a more complete picture of his practice and surroundings.