The Regional Directorate for Culture, through the Carlos Machado Museum, opens the "Paradoxical Image - Francisco Afonso Chaves (1857-1926)" exhibition at the Santa Bárbara and Santo André Centres in Ponta Delgada next Thursday, March 23.
 
The exhibition consists of a series of photographic prints, documents and bibliography, biographical and historical objects, period photographic equipment, scientific instruments and specimens from the Natural History collection.
 
This exhibition, which will be open until September 3, is the last of the trilogy dedicated to the naturalist Azorean Francisco Afonso Chaves. It includes the inaugural exhibition, open to the public between October 2016 and February 2017 at the National Museum of Contemporary Art - Chiado Museum, and the one that has been open to the public at the National Museum of Natural History and Science since February.
 
The three exhibitions address the photographic work of Afonso Chaves. His work, according to curators Victor dos Reis and Emília Tavares, was executed almost exclusively using the stereoscopy process. It is based on a rare interaction and even fusion between art and science, combining the curiosity of the scientist with the sensitivity of the photographer.
 
The remarkable work of Alfonso Chaves as a naturalist and meteorologist as well as his contribution to geology and geophysics conferred upon him national and international reputation; the last two are other aspects highlighted in this exhibition.
 
The exhibition also highlights the major importance of his work in the creation of the Azores Weather Service and the subsequent creation of an international weather service. He would also become the first director of Carlos Machado Museum.
 
During this exhibition, there will be several parallel activities, such as the launch of a catalogue, conferences and educational activities.
 
The Regional Directorate for Culture informs that this and other events may be consulted in the Cultural Agenda of CulturAçores Portal at the following address: www.culturacores.azores.gov.pt.