Name: Catarina Almeida de Azevedo e Sousa
Background: Catarina was born and raised in Lisbon, in a family with deep-rooted cultural and social ties. As a child her education was mainly through private tutors, and somehow was admitted to university where she studied history and folklore. Catarina’s friends describe her as poised yet approachable, with an effortless sense of refinement.
Professional Life & Aspirations: After university, Catarina began working as a freelance art consultant, curating exhibitions and working with galleries promoting young, emerging Portuguese artists. She is deeply passionate about highlighting Portugal’s rich artistic heritage, particularly its pre-Roman history and mythologies. Catarina’s dream is to eventually open a cultural foundation that supports artistic endeavors inspired by folklore and ancient traditions, hoping to bridge the past and present.
Sofia Martins introduced us at a private art event in Lisbon. Sofia, knowing my interest in Portuguese mythology, thought Catarina’s background in art curation and deep appreciation for folklore would resonate with my Oipaengia project. When I spoke with Catarina, she was immediately intrigued by the concept of exploring pre-Roman myths through a visual novel. Her passion for cultural history and her experience with creative projects made her a perfect fit, and after several discussions, she eagerly joined the project, contributing both her artistic expertise and historical insights.
Personal Life & Hobbies: Catarina is an avid reader, with a particular love for romantasy. Her weekends are often spent wandering through museums, attending art installations, or retreating to her family’s coastal home to relax by the ocean. She practices photography as a personal hobby, with her subjects often inspired by nature and Portugal’s landscapes. Though she keeps her personal life relatively private, she is often seen in Lisbon’s art circles, enjoying quiet gatherings with close friends.
