Aurora Benassi: In between

Matosinhos Beach, located just a few kilometers from the vibrant heart of Porto, is a perfect meeting point between nature, culture, and modernity. This photographic project aims to explore the many faces of a beach that, while maintaining a natural and tranquil atmosphere, is deeply connected to the city’s everyday life.

Matosinhos is not only a place of relaxation for locals but also a renowned destination for surf enthusiasts. The Atlantic Ocean waves that wash the shore attract surfers from all over the world, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere, especially in the afternoons when the wind picks up, and the ocean comes alive. Through these photographs, the aim is to capture the fluidity of the sea, in contrast with the towering residential blocks along the seafront, but especially how people experience this beach throughout the day.

The beach is, in fact, a transitional space, an “in between” place where nature meets modern architecture and the marks of Porto’s maritime tradition.

Beyond its sporting and cultural aspects, Matosinhos Beach holds a special meaning for its inhabitants. On warmer days, families and friends gather on the sand to enjoy leisure time, while the seafront restaurants offer fresh fish caught that very morning. This intimate relationship between sea and table is deeply rooted in the local tradition. Even on windy and cold winter days, there are always people on the beach or along the seafront, channeling the power of the waves.

With its many moods, the beach constantly transforms: from the morning calm, with its clear skies and pastel colors, to the sunset, when the sun paints the horizon in shades of orange and red.

Matosinhos is not just a place but an experience. It is a window onto the vast Atlantic Ocean, a point of contact between man and nature, and a symbol of how a community can live in harmony with its natural and urban spaces. This photographic project aims to celebrate this synergy, showing how a simple beach can tell endless stories, filled with wind, waves, and daily life.