This is a little series inspired by a picture of an Italian immigrant to Brazil.
These studies carry a subtle undercurrent of migration, not necessarily in the literal sense, but touching on the metaphorical journey people undertake as they navigate the seasons of life, and about movement, about journeys. These are done on simple paper, reflecting upon the adventurous beginnings of immigrants, who, upon arriving on Brazilian land, often didn’t know how to write their names on paper. ‘To have papers’ also symbolise a settled status, a home.
You see, the concept of ‘home’ is very elusive. Where is home? Where you come from or where you are?
As I wonder about my own journey I tap into the history of this anonymous, tired lady who perhaps led to a generation of a better-off Brazilians. I pay my homage to her and look within myself to honour her sweat and courage, filling up some papers with seemingly chaotic revolving lines and saying: you’ve arrived.
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