Special Projects - African Diaspora in Brazil
Having witnessed acts of disrespect for Brazilian cultural heritage, such as vandalism of public religious displays, Rose decided to use her art to portray the socio-cultural aspects of the African Diaspora in Brazil and promote understanding and tolerance among diverse communities. In 2008, she initiated a public art project called African Diaspora in Brazil by beginning a new series of sculptures and large-scale digital representations depicting African deities (Orishas) of Yoruba mythology.
The first sculpture in this series is the Yemanjá, known as the Queen of the Sea and patroness of the entire Brazilian coast. Yemanjá is one of the most popular deities among the followers of the Candomblé and Umbanda belief systems, as well as members of other religions.
During New Year celebrations and on other festive occasions, millions of Brazilians dress in white and bring offerings to the sea in honor and devotion to Yemanjá.
Rose's African Diaspora project has two main goals. First, to promote Brazilian cultural identity and combat racial and religious discrimination. Second, to influence public policy in a way that moves Brazilian society toward a more inclusive approach toward citizenship and social justice.
