“Brazilian Roots” is a journey of reflection and identity with a profound artistic exploration of the multifaceted acculturation experience within the Brazilian community living abroad. Through the ingenious fusion of glass sculpture and painting, collaborative artists Betta Santini and Elisa Wuo encapsulate the dual nature of the immigrant’s path, symbolizing the simultaneous fragility and resilience encountered during this transformative journey.
Elisa Wuo’s masterful exploration of layers and earth tones in her work serves as a poignant metaphor for the intricacies of nature and the human experience of navigating foreign landscapes. Much like the layers of soil that nurture and sustain life, the artist skillfully builds layers of earthy hues, evoking a profound connection to the natural world. These nuanced, earthy tones resonate with the struggles of both nature and humanity when displaced from their native territories. Through Wuo’ artistry we are invited to contemplate the resilience required to thrive in unfamiliar environments, emphasizing the shared journey of adaptation, growth, and the innate longing for connection with our roots.
The contrasting materials used by Betta Santini such as glass and wires, delicate yet robust, with its vibrant hues and transparencies serve as powerful metaphors for the emotional depth and complexity of adaptation and belonging. By pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic expression, Santini and Wuo provide a visual and emotional landscape that mirrors the intricate challenges of identity, connection, and adjustment faced by Brazilian immigrants.
Brazilian Roots emerges as an artistic response to the personal struggles of both artists as foreigners in a new land. The exhibition invites visitors to engage in a profound reflection on cultural diffusion and the significance of preserving native while embracing new cultural influences. It emphasizes the importance of community, inviting viewers to recognize the strength, courage, and resilience of the Brazilian diaspora.
Curated by Jade Matarazzo