Espia | 2021

installation

digital camera, circuit board, sensor, solar power bank and aluminium

variable dimensions

 

 

A digital camera activated by a motion detector and powered by a power bank with a solar panel was attached without protection to the trunk of a Cipó-imbé plant (Philodendron imbe), at the mercy of weather conditions and possible interference from beings that inhabit the forest.

The fragility of the device in its raw version, with wires and silicon plates exposed, creates a dialogue with the entrails, textures and vines of the local vegetation. A strange and fragile body left to chance in this hostile environment of the Atlantic Forest.

 

This intervention aims to capture a fiery phenomenon called "ignis fatuus" or also know as "will-o'-the-wisp". This supernatural phenomaena is considered a Legend which originates with Brazil's native Tupi people. They call them "mboî-tatá" (Boitatá) and it means 'serpent of fire'.

 

 

 

 

Espia | 2021

installation

digital camera, circuit board, sensor, solar power bank and aluminium

variable dimensions

 

 

 

Espia | 2021

video | 4:3 | 1'01" | mono | colour

 

 

 

 

boitatá n.01 [ mboî-tatá; serpent-of-fire ] | 2021

Pigment on cotton paper

41 x 41 cm

 

boitatá n.02 [ mboî-tatá; serpent-of-fire ] | 2021

Pigment on cotton paper

41 x 41 cm

 

boitatá n.03 [ mboî-tatá; serpent-of-fire ] | 2021

Pigment on cotton paper

41 x 41 cm

 

The legend of Boitatá (mboî-tatá: serpent of fire) originates with Brazil's native Tupi people. Many descriptions of the 'Boitatá' legend connect it with ignis fatuus , or the fiery phenomena know as the "will-o'-the-wisp".

 

Boitatá can breath fire, which it is resistant to. Its eyes are stunning and bright, its stare can possibly blind. It is also a fairly powerful swimmer, and can camouflage by shaping itself to resemble a burned fallen tree.