Bio

Lisbon, July 1994

Lived in Rio de Janeiro, London, Rome, Paris and currently based in Lisbon

With a degree in international relations and political science (Lisbon) and a focus on the thematic of “violence, conflict and development" (London), followed by a transition to Photography at Ar.Co school of arts and visual communication (Lisbon), Maria's observer and intuitive look reflects her thirst and urgency to understand and learn about and from the realities that surround her, in a way that is lighter than it appears to be. Whether in the Democratic Republic of Congo or in her more intimate surroundings in Portugal, Maria questions that same apprehended reality or how society wants to define it, politically and socially. Maria's visual expression reflects her spontaneous and sensory character on perceiving authentic elements and environments, alive and moving, surrounding her

Education

ArCo (School of Arts and Visual Communication), Lisbon
2 years Photography Course + Advanced Project on Photography

SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London
Master on Violence Conflict and Development

IEP (Instituto Estudos Políticos) UCP, Lisbon
Bachelor on International Relations and Political Science

PUC (Pontifícia Universidade Católica), Rio de Janeiro
Erasmus student

Professional

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) United Nations, Rome
Conflict-sensitive programming consultant (2018-23)

Collective Exhibitions

Ongoing - “Muitos Anos a Virar Frangos”, Alure P-Arte, curadoria Superficial (July/Aug 2025)

”Leilão Solidário Farol ATT Arte Contemporânea x Cabral Moncada” com curadoria de João Silvério (5th June, Cavalariças Pestana Palace)

”975 Show”, Tiny Art Gallery Haia X Ostra Practice (Apr 2025)

“Contacts”, Mono Lisboa (Dec 2024)

“Corrente de Ar Vol IV.”, Beato Innovation District (Sep 2024)

“ArCo summer school exhibition”, Quinta de São Miguel (July 2024)

Interview

Mochinga Studio “Weaving cultural realities: Maria Norton's visual journey”