Tag Archives: Art

The Art of Brasil, Part 2

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Brasil is art, now that is a bold statement. I suppose because art is inherently subjective, but it’s true. Everywhere you look, you can see art: on the streets, in the leaves, in people’s faces and of course, in exhibitions which legitimise and promote certain artistic expressions. This post explores art through the themes of religion, nature, exhibitions and people.

Nature

Brasil is epic in size and equally as impressive and at times overwhelming in its biodiversity. You have to remember, I come from a tiny island called England, that although incredibly beautiful, is petite in comparison.

Amazon: Mangroves
Urubus: Belem
Dunes: Lençóis Maranhanses
Dunes: Lençóis Maranhanses
Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais
Paraty
Strange Cocoon Bug: Barreirinhas
Baby Bliss: The Amazon
Dunes: Lençóis Maranhanses

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The Art of Mexico, Part 1

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Mexico is one of the most colourful countries I’ve ever had the privilege of exploring. Its arts, food, fashion, nature, cultures, music and histories reveal its majesty, creativity, intellect and expressive depth. Here is a selection of photographs that attempt to capture some of the art of Mexico, as I understand it.

Religion

Mexico is a deeply religious country, for better or worse. Before it was colonised by the Spanish in 1519, the ancient religion was Nahua, which was an amalgamation of beliefs of the tribes of the region. Several deities were worshipped, and ritual human sacrifice and cannibalism were common practice. The Nahuatl peoples were intellectually advanced, excelling in astronomy and mathematics, sciences which were used by the priests. When the Spanish invaded Mexico, they attempted to displace their multitude of gods in favour of one. They were unsuccessful and today, Mexican Catholicism represents a unique blend of indigeneity and Christianity.

Santo de Domingo Cathedral
Candles inside a Oaxacan church glow brightly
Church of the Divine Saviour: Malinalco
The enduring legacy of colonialism
I accidentally gatecrash a wedding in Valle de Bravo
Rosita adorns the outside of her home for the barrios’ celebration of Christ
A beautiful cathedral in Cuernevaca
Religious Art: Oaxaca
Santo de Domingo Cathedral

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I have an issue with selfies

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New York Selfie

New York Selfie

Up until recently, I didn’t even know what a selfie was. It isn’t a stroke of genius in its explanation: a self-portrait photograph, usually taken on a smart phone or small digital camera. Even the word ‘selfie’ makes my skin crawl, almost as badly as the abbreviation of laptop, which is commonly known in Bristol as a lappy. I want to express today how selfies have made me feel over these last few months, travelling around the Americas.

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