Follies of a guardian angel 1-8

This set of eight miniature prints not only humorously relates to Christian mythology and pageantry, but also to ideas of realism and symbolism that have been part of the colonial legacy of Brazil since the 16th century. In much of the oral literature of Brazil, stories follow moral tales of good and bad, with transgressions resulting in humans transforming into animals. Christianity arrived in Brazil through Franciscan and Dominican friars who attempted to convert the Indigenous population. In the process, a mixture of the pagan characters and supernatural beings have been integrated into Christian rituals celebrated there today.

In the'Follies of a guardian angel' series, this transformation becomes visible as a humanised figure is altered by wearing what seem to be various masks. The mask is an emblem of the carnivalesque, portraying humour and chaos, satirising taboos, and symbolising a space where prostitutes, criminals, devils and fools are sanctified. A divine angel becomes grotesque. Perhaps more discomforting, the ‘fallen’ angel appears to be enjoying itself. Mischievous, playful and rebellious, this guardian angel is relishing the freedom that disguise brings.