ana+betânia

Ana + Betânia is the collaborative practice of Ana Cruz and Maria de Betânia (b. 1983).

After graduating in Painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon in 2007, both artists began working with ceramic sculpture through the university’s research program dedicated to artistic ceramics. Although each developed an individual artistic language, their formal collaboration took shape in 2012, when they worked together as grant holders and resident artists at Muel Cerámica Viva, in Zaragoza. From that moment on, they have maintained a close partnership, developing a conceptual practice grounded in classical sculptural methods.

Following a two-year residency at the Oficinas da Cerâmica e da Terra in Montemor-o-Novo, the duo settled in Caldas da Rainha, where their studio is currently located.

In 2013, Ana Cruz became the first Portuguese ceramic artist to be admitted to the International Academy of Ceramics. One year later, in 2014, Ana + Betânia received the First Prize at the Bienal d’Esplugues for the work Em nome do Pai (In the Name of the Father). In 2017, they were awarded an Honorable Mention at CERCO Zaragoza, distinctions that further consolidated their collaboration and encouraged the expansion of their joint practice.

Working with contemporary art galleries such as FOCO Gallery, UNDERDOGS Gallery, and Pura Cal in Lisbon, Ana + Betânia have taken part in several international art fairs, including Istanbul Art Fair, JustMad Madrid, and Volta Basel. In 2021, they produced a series of eleven works for the project Reliquary Walking Dead, commissioned by Fox Portugal (now Star Channel). This project was presented in various itinerant exhibitions focused on television and the fantastic genre, as well as at Comicon Lisbon.

Their work and artistic trajectory have been featured in a range of publications, including Vogue Portugal, Revista Cristina, Observador Lifestyle, ParqMag, Portuguese Soul, and Keramika magazine.