Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité

The French motto Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité feels like a natural fit, the birds symbolize freedom, the flowers represent the right to equality, and the circular movement evokes both solidarity and the Wheel of Life, directly expressing the democratic ideals and universal struggle for human rights that I believe in. I incorporated the phrase into the composition using typography inspired by traditional Brazilian poster art.

At the center, the sun represents life and also time, our most precious resource. Its rays turn in the direction of the Buddhist Wheel of Life, a symbol associated with existence and the cyclical nature of life. This choice also reflects on how symbols can be appropriated and given new meanings. Just as the Nazis appropriated the swastika, an ancient symbol found in various traditions, and turned it into an emblem of their ideology of hate and genocide, I believe art can reclaim meaning and reaffirm values such as life, freedom, and solidarity.

Whether by coincidence or not — after experimenting with many other colors — red also references the color of the party of Brazil’s president-elect, Lula ( Worker's Party - Partido dos Trabalhadores, PT).

I had a small step stool at home that I use to reach higher places, and I thought it would be fun to paint it. Gradually, it became more than just a painted object: to me, it came to represent freedom of expression, support for the arts, and a small step toward progress.

All of these elements come together in a profound sense of pride in my country and the hope that Brazil can serve as an international example of defending democracy and standing up to authoritarian and anti-democratic movements.