Our series continues with: Georgina Abreu, a photographer and visual artist from Madeira.
We drive through the bustling, hilly streets of Funchal, winding our way uphill before pulling over outside Georgina’s parents’ house. The car comes to an abrupt stop, perched slightly nervously, on the side of one of Madeira’s famously steep roads.
Behind the gate sits a picturesque Madeiran home. Georgina opens the door with a bright smile, dressed in a crisp white blouse and a blue skirt, styled with her grandmother’s scarf draped effortlessly around her waist — the lace a nod to traditional Madeiran craft. She welcomes us inside.
“I have a special connection to this place,” she tells us. Georgina’s work is proudly displayed; paintings, sketches, photography — a visual diary of her evolution as an artist.
Next, Georgina takes us to one of her favourite places on the island. In Madeira, half an hour in the car can feel like travelling through several worlds — banana trees and exotic flowers give way to dramatic coastlines and open sea.
We arrive somewhere unexpected. The landscape shifts, and suddenly we’re surrounded by striking red clay rock formations. Georgina tells us she’s used the terrain as a backdrop for photoshoots.
“I love this island's nature” she says. “it brings a feeling of peace, and helps me notice beauty in everyday life. I hope my work encourages others to slow down and notice the world around them.”
