My latest painting, Brazilian Faces, has been on my mind for a while, and I’m glad to finally bring it to life. This piece explores Brazil’s cultural diversity and what it means to represent a country made up of so many different influences.
The Inspiration
As a Brazilian, I often hear people say that I don’t look Brazilian. This is probably because most of my ancestors were from Europe. But Brazil is much more than one look or origin. It’s a mix of Indigenous peoples, Europeans, Africans, and Asians, creating a culture that reflects many faces.
About the Painting
In Brazilian Faces, I painted four women’s faces:
• An Indigenous woman to represent Brazil’s original people.
• A white woman for the European and Asian influences.
• A tan-skinned woman showing the blending of backgrounds.
• A Black woman representing African heritage.
Together, they form a collective “face” of Brazil. The background includes colours from the Brazilian flag, elements of nature, and constellations inspired by the stars on the flag.
The Process
I used acrylic paints for this piece, and it took a few months to finish. It was a slower process since I balance my art with another job, but I’m happy with how it came together.
Exhibition Details
Brazilian Faces will be part of my solo exhibition, Echoes of Brazil, in May. The show will highlight Brazil’s culture and identity through my artwork.
Thank you for reading about this project. I hope it offers a glimpse into Brazil’s diversity and how art can capture its essence.