My body of work is on Brazilian cultural identity and the ways it has been shaped through history, belief, and storytelling. My paintings explore Brazilian cultural identity through religion, and how it is built through the merging of different religious, historical, and visual traditions. I specifically wanted to explore the religious syncretism that formed the Umbanda religion as a genuine, unique Brazilian religion, as it was born from African roots, European Catholicism, and Indigenous beliefs. I intend to create a visual tension between the recognizable style of Catholic iconography and the religious figures of Umbanda, which are most likely not known to the viewer.  
       
I created a series of eight small paintings of the seven main Orixás (gods) of Umbanda using visual language inspired by Catholic iconography. I utilized mixed media but mostly paint. The size of the frames, the position of the figures and the flat backgrounds, were all formal choices used to present the entities of Umbanda similarly to Catholic icons, creating tension between familiarity and unfamiliarity. I took inspiration from Catholic saints, Umbanda religious imagery, historical references, indigenous symbolism, and knowledge from personal experiences, growing up in Brazil. Alongside painting, my drypoint prints focus on Brazilian folklore as another essential component of cultural identity. I convey these ideas through a series of seven drypoint prints, done as illustrations in a small book, each character is accompanied by a small explanation of the folklore and its history. My goal is to present Brazilian folklore in a more serious manner, unlike the common portrayal that is focused toward children, in order to highlight its cultural and historical significance. These illustrations are serious and slightly unsettling in order to show the folklore’s intended power and message. As visual inspiration, I use Francisco Goya’s etchings and aquatints, Arthur Rackham’s illustrations combined with historical research, and personal experiences and knowledge from growing up in Brazil.

My favorite A+D memory was going to the Greenville Art Museum with my advanced class and Professor Marks. I felt genuinely happy and part of a creative community.

Printmaking

I am beginning my journey as an apprentice with the goal of becoming an ocularist.

I hope my work proves that art can be purposeful and transformative, and that through my commitment and growth, my family feels proud of the path I chose.