Since 1993, Portuguese artist Gonçalo Pena (b. 1967) has created a vast collection of drawings, with a mesh of cross-references and suppositions that all revolve around the human figure. Within this immense collection, religion, history, and ancient mythology are intertwined with political philosophy and social issues, creating an authentic cultural conundrum of references—hidden behind each image. The illustrations in the book apparently appear in a unitary and logical order, which forms a sharp contrast with the immense variety of techniques, themes, and subjects.

Published on the occasion of Pena's exhibition—Barber Shop—at Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, this book is the third volume dedicated to the artist. With a collection of drawings selected by João Maria Gusmão, it also contains essays and fictions by Gabriel Abrantes, Alexandre Estrela, João Maria Gusmão, Pedro Paiva, and an introduction by Serralves’ Director Philippe Vergne.