ODE to the Flag

On November 28th of 2002, the fourth democratic presidential election was held in Brazil, putting in power the first left-wing politician since the military dictatorship that lasted from 1964 –1980. 

This work was conceived amongst a sea of red flags in Cinelândia Square, Rio de Janeiro; six versions of the Brazilian flag were created, in bicolor permutations of black, red, and white.

The relation and reactions of viewers towards the altered flags are what fuel and give meaning to this piece. The original Brazilian flag, so light-hearted and bright becomes suddenly, dark, belligerent, more tuned in with the social-economical situation of the country.

Viewers are stimulated towards feelings and attitudes that range from curiosity, rejoicing, complicity to repulse and censorship.

These transfigured flags inquire into the meaning of the original flag, what is it, what does it represent? Whose is it? For whom does it stand and why?

Transfiguring the flag reactivates its original meaning and importance in local cultures and imagery of peripheral societies, bringing into light issues concerning their national identities.