Maria Bethânia honored with sensory exhibition
"My God, grant me the courage to live 365 days and nights, all empty of your presence. Give me the courage to regard this emptiness as fullness." These verses by Clarice Lispector, recited in the sweet voice of Maria Bethânia, now resonate through the second floor of Itaú Cultural Institute, inaugurating the space's new exhibition, entirely dedicated to the singer.
The exhibition, unveiled to the public this week in São Paulo, highlights the power of words and literature in the life of this singer, acclaimed as one of the greatest names in Brazilian music. Curated by Itaú Cultural's Curatorial and Artistic Programming Center and director Bia Lessa, the exhibition features audiovisual research by Antônio Venâncio.
"Bethânia is an essence of Brazil that holds significant relevance to our collective imagination and our sense of identity and culture," remarked Galiana Brasil, manager of Itaú Cultural's Curatorial and Artistic Programming Department and a member of the exhibition's curatorial team.
This exhibition, she explained, aims to reinforce the singer's legacy and celebrate her 60-year career. "She [Bethânia] embodies the essence of vocal identity and thought. She is an artist who imbues purpose into her craft. Nothing she creates is arbitrary,” she emphasized.
Two exhibition spaces have been designated for this event. The first is located on the first floor, featuring 98 photos suspended from the ceiling by steel cables, at eye level with the audience. These photos depict various aspects of Bethânia's life, including her family, her birthplace (the city of Santo Amaro, in the Recôncavo Baiano), her friends, her daily life, and images from her concerts. The steel cables also support bags filled with water and earth, inscribed with the singer's name.
"This space represents her territory. This is very much the strength of Santo Amaro and what defines Bethânia," explained Galiana Brasil in an interview with Agência Brasil.
Each of these photos is accompanied by a phrase reflected on the floor, creating a juxtaposition between what is seen and what is written. Among them is a quote by the singer herself: "People from the Recôncavo you can tell immediately." Additionally, there are phrases from various writers, composers, and poets who have inspired the artist, such as Clarice Lispector, Guimarães Rosa, and Mário de Andrade. As visitors explore this space, they will be surrounded by sounds reminiscent of the sea and music.
Nature
As visitors ascend from the first floor to the second floor, where the second part of the exhibition is housed, they will encounter scattered fans along the staircase. The purpose, she explained, is to underscore the significance of nature in the artist's universe.
On the second floor, an installation occupies the entire space, consisting of 47 monitors displaying documentary images from different periods of Bethânia's life and work. This installation serves to emphasize her dialogue with poetry and literature. The production, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes, is surrounded by a water mirror, with a gentle breeze circulating in the environment. "This space invites people to see Bethânia beyond the pedestal of idolatry to which our eyes are accustomed. Here, we can perceive her in fragments, through the lens of Santo Amaro, its people, her family, and her profound influences," explained Galiana Brasil.
On this floor, visitors will also find two embroideries created by Bethânia during the pandemic: "Rotas do Abismo" (Routes to the Abyss) and "O Céu de Santo Amaro" (The Sky of Santo Amaro). Through these works, the artist intimately expresses herself with words using thread, needles, and fabric.
"Referring to what I do as embroidery is funny; it's an affront to those who truly master the craft," remarked the singer in a note introducing the exhibition. "I enjoy embroidering words, writing with threads, and inventing. It's a release, a means of expressing myself. As an artist, aside from the isolation and loneliness, being stifled and unable to express myself is unbearable. These pieces reflect the present," the artist revealed.
Activities
In addition to the exhibition, Itaú Cultural has curated a special program to honor the life and work of Maria Bethânia, featuring an embroidery workshop and concerts. The film "Os Doces Bárbaros" (The Sweet Barbarians) will also be screened, available for online viewing on the Itaú Cultural Play platform. "We also have a dedicated website section that will offer super exclusive content not found anywhere else, including testimonials and articles," explained Galiana Brasil.
The exhibition, which offers free admission, will be open until June 9.
