Katie van Scherpenberg Brazilian, b. 1940
Comemoração #2 [Celebration #2], 1977
Tempera and oil on canvas
70 x 50 cms
27 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches
27 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches
Series: Palanques
Three Brazilian flags fly in apparent celebration. Scherpenberg produced paintings recording the celebratory podium stands which were established during military parades, shows of power characteristic of the military dictatorship since...
Three Brazilian flags fly in apparent celebration. Scherpenberg produced paintings recording the celebratory podium stands which were established during military parades, shows of power characteristic of the military dictatorship since its establishment in 1964. The vibrancy of the artist’s colour palette in the work, and the title ‘Comemoração #2’ [Celebration #2] create a darkly comedic effect when combined with the realities of the repressive regime. By accentuating the pomp which accompanied the regime, Scherpenberg renders them vacuous and ineffective, mocking the ceremony of the regime.