The most isolated communities are often fertile ground for myths, and the Azores are no exception. The reason why many houses in São Miguel are painted in bright colours is just one more of these mysteries: everyone offers a different explanation when asked. Regardless of the correct answer — they are all true and all false — it is undeniable that the island has resisted the idea that vibrant colours should be used sparingly. Instead, it has embraced them without restraint, challenging the perception that their excessive use is an assault on the senses or a sign of bad taste.

Mariana Lopes: Initially trained in architecture, she turned photography into her profession after completing the professional photography course at the Portuguese Institute of Photography in Porto. She has taken part in several group and solo exhibitions and received an honourable mention at the FNAC New Photography Talents award in 2016. In 2017, she moved to Faial, where she collaborated with Albino Pinho at hÔm Arquitectura, and began a part-time collaboration with Anda&Fala – Cultural Association, which evolved into a full-time collaboration in São Miguel from 2023 onwards. Currently, in addition to her work with Anda&Fala, she continues to develop projects in the fields of photography and architecture.