Oficina Marques: A Multidisciplinary Treasure
Lisbon’s Bairro Alto is home to Oficina Marques, a vibrant studio‑gallery‑shop hybrid founded in May 2018 by creative duo Gezo Marques and José Aparício Gonçalves . This multidisciplinary art and design studio thrives on the motto “Tusa de Viver” (“urge to live”), striving to make art an everyday experience. With a focus on manual craftsmanship, geometric and organic forms, and rich symbolism, Oficina Marques produces everything from ceramic sculptures and wooden panels to assemblages of found objects.
The Ethos of Oficina Marques – Celebrating Life Through Creation
Central to Oficina Marques’s identity is the concept of human imperfection, resilience, and second chances. Each piece celebrates life’s scars and imperfections, imbued with humor and optimism. Their artistic language structures across five thematic “orbits” — Sea, Wilderness (Mato), Body, Faith, and Lisbon — which anchor their explorations of nature, spirituality, physicality, and Portuguese identity. Through these themes, the artists channel a joyous vision of life into their handcrafted creations.
Handmade Craftsmanship & Studio Philosophy
True to its name, Oficina (meaning “workshop”), the studio thrives on manual processes, physical engagement, and raw materiality. The duo works with wood, clay, found objects, and sculptural techniques to create pieces that feel “alive” and expressive. Gezo and José view themselves as storytellers and archaeologists of discarded objects, breathing new life into each item — honoring their past and their future:
“Repescar objetos […] é celebrar a vida” — Gezo Marques .
This spirit of artisanal creation is evident across their works. Whether timber panels, ceramic relics, or assemblages — each piece carries its narrative.
A Unique Gallery-Shop Experience in Bairro Alto
Located at Rua Luz Soriano, nº 71, Bairro Alto, Oficina Marques is not just a gallery, but a “cabinet of curiosities” where visitors can engage directly with both the artists and their works. As a workshop, the space invites guests to explore the creative process. They focus on forging a deeper connection with each piece before it departs as a unique, story-filled object.
Operating Wednesday to Friday, 10:30–18:30, and Saturday, 13:00–19:30, with appointments available on Mondays and Tuesdays, the space bridges art, design, and everyday life.
Notable Projects & Collaborations
Beyond in‑studio creations, Oficina Marques has worked with prestigious brands and venues. In Autumn 2024, they crafted the Hermès Lisbon store windows, drawing inspiration from Parisian heritage to create seven surreal “theatrical acts” that blended manual craftsmanship and luxury aesthetic. They’ve also curated installations at Hotel Quinta Colina Lisboa (2018), Restaurante Eleven (Quatro Elementos), the Museu do Azulejo (in collaboration with Viúva Lamego), and numerous hotel and restaurant interiors.
Their projects demonstrate a seamless integration of art into architectural and commercial spaces, marking them as versatile designers.
Recognition & Press
Oficina Marques’s innovative work has garnered significant attention in both national and international media. For instance, they’ve been featured in Observador Lifestyle (July 2023) and Roadbook Lisbon City Guide (July 2023). Additionally, their impressive presence has been noted in renowned publications. These include Elle Decoration, Monocle, Wallpaper, Lux Deco, A Magazine, AD España, and more. As a result, their projects have attracted a diverse range of global clients, spanning from private collectors to hotels and retailers. Consequently, this has cemented their expanding influence on the design scene.
Why Oficina Marques Stands Out in Portuguese Design
At Oficina Marques, the studio, gallery, and shop are closely connected. This design provides immersive experiences filled with storytelling. Each piece created reflects a human touch. This emotional manuality infuses vitality and narrative throughout the entire process, from conception to craftsmanship. The work embodies thematic depth through five philosophical orbits: Sea, Mato, Body, Faith, and Lisbon. This allows it to go beyond mere aesthetics. Additionally, they blend Portuguese identity with universal themes. This fusion connects local memory with global conversations.
Conclusion – The Artistic Urge to Live
Oficina Marques stands as a testament to art’s integration into daily life, grounded in the physical, emotional, and experiential act of creation. In every handcrafted panel, ceramic form, and object assemblage, they celebrate life’s beauty, imperfections, and stories. Visitors to their Bairro Alto atelier will not only admire but live the narrative: to see, touch, feel, and take home a fragment of the “Tusa de Viver”.
For those seeking art that resonates, connects, and transforms, a visit to Oficina Marques is an immersive celebration of human creativity — and of the enduring spirit of Portuguese design.
