In the 70’s, Albuquerque Mendes performed a series of symbolic actions in the public space, marked by a strong criticism of the blessed customs of Portuguese culture. These rituals or anti-clerical processions, which occurred in several cities in the north of the country (Coimbra, Porto, Póvoa de Varzim, etc), evoked an idea of collective and cathartic living within the general context of political transition of the time.

Based on the documentation of one of Albuquerque Mendes’ rituals (Póvoa de Varzim, 1976 – III Encontros Internacionais de Cultura, Póvoa do Varzim, 1976 ), by the photographer Ursula Zangger, the exhibition “Stray Gods” proposes a selection of works where images establish “solidarities” among themselves, in a context of tensions with the religious, beliefs and anguish. “Stray Gods” examines religion in artistic phenomenon, after a supposed death of God, making it possible to discern “caves in which its shadow will be shown” (Nietzsche).