Debret

de Vasco Araújo

Organized within the framework of the "Ano de Portugal no Brasil", the exhibition "Debret" by artist Vasco Araújo (Lisboa, 1975) proposes a contemporary interpretation of social relations between races (white and black), Portuguese and Africans, masters and slaves in 19th century Brazil. His installation is composed of seven sculptures, each consisting of a table, eggs and figures modeled by the artist and quotes of 17th century Jesuit priest, philosopher and writer Antonio Vieira. The figures depict actions between whites and blacks revealing social and sexual intercourse. The insertion of the figures and broken eggs points to an imperialist and despotic face of colonization, and the creation of a new race (mulatto). The exhibition also features engravings by French19th century court painter Jean Baptiste Debret created between 1834 and 1835 to illustrate three volumes entitled "Voyage pittoresque et historique au Brésil" (Picturesque and Historical Voyage to Brazil; 1834-39) and whose themes deal with the same issues that inspired Araújo.