Figurinas
Figurinas is an exploration of cultural folklore and the ways in which beliefs manifest in visual realms. This series features [L - R] the Careto, Iansã, Iemanja and the Nazaréna. Through this series, the artist wishes to highlight aspects of her cultural background which may not be common in discourse surrounding Portugal and Brasil.
The Careto is a mischievous figure from Portuguese folklore. Belonging to the winter carnival, the Careto is a masked figure who causes mischief and makes whimsical noises through elaborate costuming.
Iansã, representative of the artist's Brazilian heritage, is an Orixá from the Brazilian religion of Candomblé. Iansã, the red clad, masked figure, is the Goddess of winds and weather. Wielding a sword, Iansã is a warrior and a figure representative of feminine force and change.
Iemanjá, mother of all Orixá's, is the Goddess of the sea. Associated to the Mother Mary in Catholicism, Iemanjá is a Goddess representative of unyielding feminine power. Alongside being the mother of all Orixá's, Iemanjá is associated with fertility, femininity, and serves as the over watcher to all fishermen.
The Nazaréna, is a figure hailing from the artist's mother land, Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal. Dressed in traditional clothing of her region, the artist reflects on the typical, traditional woman hailing from Gafanha. From headscarf, to woven bag, to woolly socks, the artist represents the good nature and high spirits of the people of Gafanha da Nazaré.
