About

Cristina Leiria

Bio

Cristina Leiria is a Portuguese Artist, born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1946 and lived in Mozambique from the age of 2 to the age of 17.

Formed in Architecture at the ESBAL (Escola Superior de Belas-Artes de Lisboa) in Lisbon, Portugal, and Urban Planning at the Development Planning Unit of London’s University College.

Motivated by the influence of the environment on health and well-being, Cristina studied Feng-Shui in Macao, China, and Japan, and later studied Geobiology in France.

Worked as an Architect in the UK, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Portugal and Macao.

From 1992 onwards Cristina dedicated herself also to sculpting, ceramics and design.

Her artwork includes the construction of monumental Public Art, usually including both an architectural and a sculptural approach.

Cristina’s work has always been focused on the harmonization of human living spaces, both public and private.

Major Works

  • 1999, Kun Iam Ecumenical Center of Macao, China, with a 20m bronze statue of Kun Iam (Guan Yin). Pearl River Delta, Macao, China.

  • 1999, Kun Iam (Guan Yin) and Lotus Flower, 2,70 meter bronze statue. Casa de Macau, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 2000, Head of Kun Iam (Guan Yin), 1,5 meter bronze sculpture. Offered to the Town Hall of Cascais. To be placed in the gardens of the Palmela Park. Cascais, Portugal.

  • 2002, Saint Anthony and Baby Jesus, 2 meter Corten steel statue. Capuchos Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 2003, Mother and Child (Élan de Mãe), 3 meter white stone statue. Marechal Carmona Park, Cascais, Portugal.

  • 2003, Sail in the Wind, 12 meter bronze statue with patina. Tavira, Portugal.

  • 2007, Sailing Boat, 3 meter polished bronze sculpture on a wave of marble. Marina of Cascais, Cascais, Portugal.

  • 2012, In the Heart of Mary, 3 meter wooden and polymer sculpture, with gold and mirrors. Holy Trinity Basilica, Sanctuary of Fátima, Fátima, Portugal.

  • 2017, Immaculate Heart of Mary, 10 cm polymer sculpture. Official Symbol of the Centennial of the Apparitions of Fátima. Fátima, Portugal.

Selected Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions:

  • 2011 – Galeria Paula Cabral, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 2008 – Galeria Espaço d’Arte, Beloura, Cascais, Portugal.

  • 2006 – Casa de Macau, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 2006 – “Christmas / Natal”, Malo Clinic, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 2006 – “Sails / Velas”, Malo Clinic, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 2004 – Galeria do Palácio de Tavira, Tavira, Portugal.

  • 2004 – Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 2003 – Centro Cultural de Cascais, Cascais, Portugal.

  • 2002 – Ordem dos Médicos, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 2002 – Casa de Macau, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 2001 – “Moments of Light / Momentos de Luz”, Galeria da Cidade, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 1997 – Fundação Luís de Camões, Luxembourg.

  • 1996 – Galeria do Turismo de Macau, Macau, Portugal.

  • 1995 – Galerie Martine Nahmani, Paris, France.

  • 1994 – Galeria de Arte do Casino Estoril, Estoril, Portugal.

  • 1994 – Galeria do Hotel da Penha Longa, Cascais, Portugal.

  • 1993 – Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Cascais, Portugal.

  • 1993 – Hotel Baía, Cascais, Portugal.

Collective Exhibitions:

  • 2022 – Galeria de Arte do Casino Estoril, Estoril, Portugal.

  • 2019 – Galeria de Arte do Casino Estoril, Estoril, Portugal.

  • 2007 – Associação dos Artesãos da Região de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • 2004 – A Arte da Terra: “Santo António - A Arte à Volta do Culto”, Portugal.

  • 2004 – A Arte da Terra: “Maternidade – A Vida em forma de Arte”​, Portugal.

  • 1995 – Palais des Congrès de Paris, Paris, France.

Selected Public and Private Collections

  • Private Collection of the Pope, Vatican City.

  • Private Collection of D. Juan Carlos I, former King of Spain.

  • Private Collection of D. Duarte Pio of Portugal, Duke of Braganza.

  • Private Collection of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal.

  • Private Collection of Ramalho and Manuela Eanes, former President and First Lady of Portugal.

  • Private Collection of Cavaco Silva, former President of Portugal.

  • Private Collection of Vasco Rocha Vieira, former Portuguese Governor of Macao.