Born in 1986, Portuguese visual artists and couple Mariana and Emanuel Barreira are the duo behind Halfstudio. A Portugal-based collective close to Lisbon which is specializing in projects across various creative fields, with lettering and sign painting at their core.

Their visual language and artistic practice is therefore defined by three-dimensional letters and dynamic layouts, featuring bold messages and vibrant colors. Their work is rooted in their surroundings and the issues they find significant, using art as a medium for us is a way to reflect on the world and bring these topics into the conversation.

For them, creating art is both a form of expression and a personal process of reflection. Public artworks are particularly important to them, enabling their ideas to reach broader audiences and spark dialogue on questions they find relevant to contemporary life.

Combining studio work and public art through amazing murals, their approach reflects contemporary themes while demonstrating a thoughtful engagement with surrounding communities. The duo has exhibited their work in numerous galleries and participated in many street art festivals over the past years, both in Portugal and internationally.