Exhibition: Women – Impressions of Body and Soul

Opening of the exhibition “Women – Impressions of Body and Soul,” held at Cadeia Velha de Santos on August 25. Curated by Márcia Okida.

Márcia invited 30 women designers, illustrators, and photographers and proposed the challenge of creating a tribute to a woman, along with an autobiographical illustration.

The artworks were printed on PVC, on both sides. They can be seen in the “Projects” section.

Why I chose Empress Leopoldina

Brazil’s history includes great women and men who were both virtuous and courageous. It is essential to reclaim the historical memory of these figures so that the Brazilian people may have examples of dignity and build a healthy sense of esteem about themselves and their country.

Among these personalities is Empress Leopoldina. The Habsburg princess entered Brazilian history primarily as the sad and betrayed wife — a painful aspect of her private life. However, to do justice to her importance, we must remember that in public life, as a leader of the country, she played a fundamental role in Brazil’s independence and in shaping the political direction of that time.

She served as regent in the absence of Dom Pedro I and signed the Declaration of Independence, drafted by José Bonifácio, even before her husband formally proclaimed it. Through the many letters she left behind, it is clear that she embraced the Brazilian cause. She worked diligently with the European courts to secure recognition of the new country’s autonomy. A year earlier, in 1821, she was the one who persuaded José Bonifácio to accept the position of minister — a role he had been reluctant to take, as he still did not fully trust Dom Pedro I.

The Empress spoke eleven languages, played the piano, and devoted herself to the study of mineralogy and botany. She was also dedicated to charitable work, especially supporting orphans and widows in Rio de Janeiro. She was deeply loved by the people, who mourned her premature death at the age of 29, in 1826.

Cartaz individual da exposição