Gallery

About Underdogs

Underdogs is a cultural platform based in Lisbon, Portugal that encompasses a gallery with two exhibition areas, a public art programme, the production of artist editions, and the development of commissioned art projects.

Established in 2010 and consolidated in its present form in 2013, Underdogs works with a diversified roster of Portuguese and international artists connected with the urban-inspired contemporary art universe, fostering the development of close relationships between creators, the public, and the city with the aim of promoting art as an everyday experience.

Meet Underdogs

Underdogs began as an innovative idea to invite artists with backgrounds in graffiti and urban art to participate in a white cube gallery group exhibition—something that was unheard of in Portugal at that time.

Spearheaded by contemporary artist Alexandre Farto aka Vhils, this initiative resulted in two successful exhibitions: one in 2010 in Lisbon and another in 2011 in Porto.

The artist then joined forces with curator Pauline Foessel to establish a project with a permanent presence, combining an art gallery, a public art programme, and the online sale of exclusive artist editions. Transcending the limitations of a traditional gallery, Underdogs opened the doors to its current space in Lisbon in 2013.

Beginning in the 1960s and early 1970s, Urban Art is a multifaceted genre rooted in different forms of street culture, emerging from public spaces as an expression of creative, social and political commentary.

Transposing the street into gallery spaces, it combines elements of traditional graffiti, murals, installations, and several other media. Influenced by hip-hop, punk, and a variety of other subcultures, Urban Art speaks to a deep-rooted sense of community and often addresses issues of inequality and resistance.

Today, it holds a profoundly meaningful place within the world of global contemporary art, challenging the boundaries of conventional art forms while engaging audiences worldwide.

Our mission is to create meaningful connections between artists, the public, and the urban environment. We strive to foster artistic experimentation, encourage research, and promote creativity that challenges boundaries. By supporting both emerging and established talent, we aim to make art accessible and relevant to as broad an audience as possible. We believe in engaging the public with art that reflects contemporary issues and transforms public spaces, helping to bridge local and global cultures in a way that resonates with the city and its people.

Our values are our main driving force. We fully embrace experimentation, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art with bold and unconventional approaches. We value connection, fostering a vibrant community where artists, the public and collectors can engage in meaningful dialogue. Our approach is rooted in inclusivity, celebrating a diversity of voices and ideas, while making art accessible to all. We are committed to innovation, consistently evolving through new technologies and trends. And, finally, we are dedicated to authenticity, staying true to our urban roots, and ensuring that everything we do tells a unique and genuine story that reflects the vision of our artists.

Our Journey

2010

Contemporary artist Alexandre Farto aka Vhils presented gallery owner Vera Cortês with the Underdogs project – the idea to develop an exhibition that gave voice to emerging urban-inspired contemporary artists.

2010

Showcasing the work of ten Portuguese contemporary artists with a background in graffiti and street art, the first Underdogs exhibition opened its doors at the Vera Cortês Art Agency, in Lisbon.

2011

A second iteration of the first Underdogs group exhibition was presented at the Maus Hábitos cultural intervention space, in Porto.

2012

Alexandre Farto aka Vhils met curator Pauline Foessel in Shanghai, China, where they began to outline the future of Underdogs as a permanent cultural platform based in Lisbon.

2013

Underdogs opened its first solo exhibition in its newly established space in Marvila, Lisbon, presenting works by American artist duo Cyrcle.

2014

Opening of the Underdogs Art Store – a city centre outlet for editions, publications, workshops and art tours, as well as a project room for emerging artists and an artist in residence.

2019

The Underdogs Art Store was relocated to the main gallery space in Marvila, where the Underdogs Capsule – a small area dedicated to showcasing new talents and encouraging artistic experimentation – was also inaugurated.

2020

Underdogs celebrated its ten-year anniversary, marking a decade of creativity with over 70 exhibitions, nearly 50 public artworks, and more than 250 artist editions – all created by 157 artists and collectives representing over 20 nationalities.

2022

Underdogs premiered its first short documentary, The World as a Whole, during the Festa do Cinema Francês at Cinema São Jorge, Lisbon. Directed by Ana Pires, the film explores the “(No) Borders” project, where Portuguese and French artists collaborated on public art across sister cities.

2023

Underdogs teamed up with Everything is New for Urban(R)Evolution, a major group exhibition at Lisbon’s Cordoaria Nacional. Featuring works from top urban artists like Shepard Fairey and Vhils, it explored the evolution and diversity of urban art through site-specific installations and Martha Cooper's iconic photographs. The exhibition ran until 3 December 2023.

2010

2010

Showcasing the work of ten Portuguese contemporary artists with a background in graffiti and street art, the first Underdogs exhibition opened its doors at the Vera Cortês Art Agency, in Lisbon.

2011

A second iteration of the first Underdogs group exhibition was presented at the Maus Hábitos cultural intervention space, in Porto.

2012

Alexandre Farto aka Vhils met curator Pauline Foessel in Shanghai, China, where they began to outline the future of Underdogs as a permanent cultural platform based in Lisbon.

2013

Underdogs opened its first solo exhibition in its newly established space in Marvila, Lisbon, presenting works by American artist duo Cyrcle.

2014

Opening of the Underdogs Art Store – a city centre outlet for editions, publications, workshops and art tours, as well as a project room for emerging artists and an artist in residence.