The term “South Bank” refers to the south bank of the Tagus River, in front of Lisbon.

Many of those who, like me, live on the north bank, don’t know most of that territory and its inhabitants. Despite the bridges that physically join the two sides, it is as if the river had been, for decades, a border that separates us from the south bank and its people.

It is a territory of successive immigration. In the 1960s, people came from the poorest regions of Portugal to work in the rising industry. In 1975, people from African countries that became independent from Portugal arrived. Until recently, mainly Brazilians, other Africans, Southeast Asians and Eastern Europeans arrived. Now digital nomads and those who, with greater resources, are looking for a second home are also arriving from various countries in Europe and America.

On the other hand, there is a significant increase of the young population in the territory, born there or new inhabitants coming from the capital. Due to the gentrification process that has occurred in the city they are no longer allowed to continue living there. Also due to their proximity to Lisbon and the fabulous beaches, Natural Parks and historical sites, as well as the increasing interest in popular traditions related to traditional fishing, bullfighting and fairs, these areas has become also tourist destinations.

The photographs for this project were taken and edited throughout 2023. It was first exhibited at Casa da Cultura de Setúbal and Galeria João Paulo Cotrim, between January and March 2024.