Jeane Terra and the Alchemy of Memory In “Pele do Rio”

by

Hailing from Minas Gerais, Brazil, and now residing in Rio de Janeiro, visual artist Jeane Terra unveiled her solo show, titled “Pele do Rio” or “Skin of the River,” at the Janaina Torres Gallery in São Paulo.

The exhibition delves into topics related to finals and disappearance that are central to Terra’s work. By blending painting, sculpture, photography, and video art, she establishes a conversation between her personal recollections and the atmosphere of the Amazon, manifesting both sorrow and optimism in her art.

In her own words, “I became an archaeologist of memories,” reflecting Terra’s pursuit of uncovering and redefining stories. Her piece “Pele do Rio” emphasizes the importance of preservation, transforming remnants and recollections into something valuable.

Through exploring locations where collective grief resides, such as the Amazon, Terra seeks to transcend individual experiences towards a shared, universal understanding. This journey encourages us to ponder on the fleeting nature of existence and emphasizes the importance of preserving our cultures and the environment for future generations.

Using her extensive knowledge, she crafted a distinctive method, often referred to as “pele de tinta” or “skin of paint.” This artistic process is likened to alchemy by Terra, who explains it as a way not only to apply paint but to manipulate it, utilizing it as a base to sculpt the artwork, giving an illusion of creating a sculpture directly from the painting. By employing software, she transforms photographs into embroidery patterns and thus merges traditional women’s craft with modern technology. The resulting art has a unique appearance, reminiscent of analog pixels.

With the title “River Peel,” artist Jean Terra invites the public to contemplate the delicate nature of life and consider our impact on the planet. As she explains, her aim is to provoke thought among viewers, leaving them with a question mark. The exhibition tackles pressing issues such as climate change and irresponsible urbanization, serving as a reminder to reflect on our role in preserving life for future generations.

Read More

2025-03-20 16:26