Habito/Habitante (Habit/Inhabitant)

Against the cultural and political framework of the dictatorship in Brazil (1964-85), women artists, oppressed by both patriarchal society and military power, produced experimental artworks that radically changed how the body was represented. Martha Araujo began creating what she called “performatic objects” during the country’s transition to democracy in the mid-1980s. These wearable textile pieces invite the public participation and combine performance and sculpture. In Habito/Habitante, the viewers are encouraged to wear the garment that is secured to the gallery wall with Velcro. They can either remain attached to the wall –imprisoned, so to speak — or detach from it, thereby liberating themselves. In regard to her motivations, Araujo stated:

“I always wanted to tie myself up to then untie myself and feel freer.“