BIZANGOL, BETWEEN DEVOTION AND GREED BY RÓMULO SANTA
RITA
The intersection between religion and greed is a fascinating topic that dates back to the dawn of human history. Over the centuries, religious practices have moulded the beliefs and values of societies, influencing both spirituality and the quest for material wealth. This exhibition closely explores this complex and often contradictory relationship between religious devotion and the quest to accumulate material goods.
Byzantine iconography makes you feel as if you are in front of the sacred, the way the figures are portrayed, in timeless poses and penetrating gazes creates a direct
connection with the divine. The aim of the works is to capture this sense of transcendence, which invites the viewer to rise above everyday life and explore the deeper dimensions of existence.
Angola's oil wealth has fuelled bad governance and corruption. The concentration of economic power in the hands of a few has been the main denominator of social divisions and has created a vicious cycle of exploitation, where resources intended for
development are diverted to private interests. This undermines trust in government institutions and creates an environment of political instability.
The relationship between religion and greed is a multifaceted territory where spiritual values and material desires often intertwine. BIzangol invites visitors to reflect on the human motivations behind this complex interaction. As we explore this connection, we are challenged to consider how the pursuit of wealth influences our beliefs, behaviours and society at large.
REFERENCE
The mosaic is the ultimate expression of Byzantine art and is not only used to decorate
walls and vaults, but also as a source of instruction and spiritual guidance for the faithful, showing them scenes from the life of Christ, the prophets and the various emperors. The way Byzantine mosaics are made follows conventions that also govern frescoes. In them, for example, people are represented head-on and verticalised to create a certain notion of spirituality; perspective and volume are ignored, and gold is used in abundance, due to its association with one of the greatest material goods, such as gold.
Originally created: 2023
Subject: Social, Religious
Materials: Recycled Paper
Medium: Acrylic, Gouache, newspaper, gold leaf
Styles: Documentary, Conceptual, Realism, Portraiture, Pop Art
