Art in movement

Throughout the 132-day duration of the Exhibition, visitors in the precinct were entertained by three shows: Olharapos, Peregrination and Acqua Matrix. Fantastic creatures, walking contraptions and extraordinary sounds and images take visitors by surprise and lead them into a dream-world.

Olharapos

One, two, three eyes, half human half animal – these were the male, female and baby olharapos. From morning to night, these amazing creations would make their way around the precinct, interacting with the public. They were operated by actors both from the inside and outside, and every day 53 performers and 26 technicians and producers were involved in this work.

The Olharapos were built by a British team, led by Kevin Plumb and Campbell Buchan, together with Fine Arts students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbIImKft1zo

Peregrination

This was a street party, based around a parade which started at sunset, comprising 11 moving machines and the smaller peregrimobiles. The show lasted one and a half hours and ended by the river, with the appearance by the Rhinoceros, a mechanical beast operated by 19 performers.

In total, 333 people aged between 19 and 66 took part in the Peregrination.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ16MYyne5s

Acqua Matrix

Just before midnight, sirens would sound around the Expo’98 precinct. And everyone would start to hurry: Acqua Matrix was about to start. This multimedia creation took place in the Doca dos Olivais area. It was the most popular show during the entire event. Its sheer scale, light and sounds captivated audiences. A daring setting comprising a floating platform, towers and other moving parts and a giant inflatable egg which symbolised life and onto which images were projected. It lasted for 17 minutes and was the same every night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au0sC5SUhA8