INTHEARTS MAGAZINE 2

1. Briefly describe the work you do.
A few years ago, fabric has become the primary support for my work.
Beyond a chromatic study, grounded in research on mineral pigments and
material combinations, my works investigate the boundaries between art
and object, often dealing with a mythical space and languages. Examples
include performances and their documentation in videos and photos, as well
as the occupation of architectural space with textile installations. A shared
and collective authorship also presents itself in works where I make myself
available for listening and collaboration with observer-participants.
2. What or who inspires your work and how has that
influenced both your work and your identity as an artist?
The inspiration and investigative gaze that truly drives my textile work
and research happen in places where these artistic feats merge with
everyday life, the life of places and communities, in the craftsmanship of
popular festivals in Brazil and the Americas. Collective creation, for cultural
elaboration in traditions of clothing, laden with symbolism, colors, vibrancy,
and cultures, establishes an ancestral pillar where culture brings identity in
the form of strength and courage to face the challenges of contemporary
life. My panels and performances seek to access this place, in mythical
roots, in adornments with this symbolism, in research on customs of religions
with African roots. I enhance this by incorporating glass beads and seed
beads into embroidery and sewing in panels with more mathematical
patterns.
3. As you reflect on your artistic journey, could you describe
the evolution of your identity as an artist and how it has
exceeded your initial expectations?
Traditional artistic creation with cultural and historical narratives is, for
me, the major driving force to transform our research and visual work into
a contemporary dialogue as artists. I consider this ancestry, especially in
the textile universe and all its historical dimensions, as a foundation for
contemporary creation.
4. How do you view the significance of your contribution to
contemporary art in a world that is increasingly shaped by
technology?
This search for emotional or sensory experiences does happen, and often
the work and research have this intention. This exchange is crucial within
what I have been pursuing so far, and the result is often surprising and of
great value. A personal observation: I believe that the challenging profession
of a visual artist is greatly enhanced when we also place ourselves in this
position of exchange, with the viewer, the “listener.”
5. How do you see the future of your art and the art world
evolving in the coming years?
Within my artistic practices, the way to achieve results with minimal
environmental impact has been to work with mineral pigments for dyeing
the panels and using discarded fabrics from the textile industry.
6. Get inspired!
INSTAGRAM: @marianaportoart
WEBSITE: marianaporto.com.br
INTHEARTS | WINTER 2024 19